When it comes to the Indian railway industry, Rajni Hasija is a name that is synonymous with excellence, innovation and dedication. Her illustrious career has spanned three decades.
In her own words, “A woman who dreams to be the best version of herself everyday! Working with Indian Railways and IRCTC since the last three decades, bringing transformative reforms in systems and processes with an aim to enhance passenger experience.”
She is the Chairman/Mng Dir/Dir: Tourism & Marketing, Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corp Ltd; the responsibility that comes with these roles are not a small feat by any means. However, she took the challenge and has been instrumental in revolutionizing the railway industry in India.
In her illustrious career in Indian Railways, which is spread over 29 years, she has worked in various managerial capacities in multiple divisions and zones as well as various Public Sector Undertakings and has extensive experience in the field of IT, marketing, operations and planning over Indian Railways.
She has been on the Company Board since May 18, 2018, and is an officer of the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) of the 1989 batch. However, that is not all; she is a science scholar with an M.Phil from Delhi University and also possesses a postgraduate diploma in Human Resource Management as well as a degree in Law!
She has also been associated with IRCTC as a Group General Manager handling the IT business segment and overall in charge of an entire zone. In 2018, she was appointed as the Director (Tourism & Marketing) of the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation, IRTC, where she took charge of transforming the face of the Indian Railways catering and tourism industry.
Online Ticket Booking System
One of the first initiatives Rajni Hasija introduced was the online ticket booking system; she pioneered the inception and development of the internet ticketing site of railways’ www.irctc.co.in‘.
With her sound technical knowledge, organizing and planning skills and ability to communicate with her peers and team, she has successfully completed very challenging and time-bound projects for IRCTC, which ranged from planning and execution of the dynamic online cum counter ticketing platform for Commonwealth Games 2010 to International Marketing of Maharajas’ Express Luxury Tourist Train.
Prior to this, passengers had to stand in long queues to purchase their train tickets, and this process was not only time-consuming but also extremely inconvenient.
The introduction of the online ticket booking system brought about a significant change in the way passengers booked their tickets. Today, millions of passengers book their tickets online, making the process quick, easy and hassle-free.
E-Catering, The New In
Another major initiative that Rajni Hasija introduced was the e-catering service. The e-catering service enables passengers to order food from their preferred restaurants and has it delivered to their train seats. This service has not only improved the quality of food available on trains but has also given passengers a wider variety of food options to choose from.
She has also introduced measures to ensure that the quality of food served on trains meets the highest hygiene and safety standards.
Tourism Portal
Under Rajni Hasija’s leadership, IRCTC also introduced a number of other innovative initiatives, such as the IRCTC tourism portal, which provides tourists with information on various tourist destinations in India and offers a range of travel packages. This portal has been immensely popular among tourists, who now have access to a one-stop shop for all their travel needs.
IRCTC Rail Connect
Rajni Hasija’s focus on innovation and technology has also resulted in the introduction of several mobile applications that have made it easier for passengers to access information about train schedules, availability of seats, and other important information. These apps have been particularly helpful for passengers who travel frequently, as they can now make informed decisions about their travel plans.
In addition to these initiatives, Rajni Hasija has also introduced several measures to improve the safety and security of passengers. For example, she has introduced the use of CCTV cameras in stations to deter crime and ensure that passengers feel safe during their journeys.
Rajni Hasija’s dedication to her work and her passion for improving the Indian railways catering and tourism industry has earned her numerous accolades and awards.
2022 proved to be a great day for the employees and leadership of Indian Railways’ catering arm IRCTC. One, the company celebrated its 23rd annual day, and two, it got awarded in two different categories at the National Tourism Award on the same day. The awards were presented to the CMD of IRCTC, Rajni Hasija, by the Vice President of India.
The Indian government has also recognized her for her contributions to the tourism sector.
It would not be very far to say that Rajni Hasija’s leadership and vision have transformed the Indian railways catering and tourism industry. Her initiatives have made it easier, safer, and more convenient for passengers to travel on trains and have also helped to boost the tourism industry in India.
Her focus on innovation and technology has ensured that the Indian railways catering and tourism industry remains at the forefront of global travel and hospitality trends.
Having worked in various capacities throughout her career. She is known for her outstanding leadership skills and has been instrumental in driving change and innovation in the organization.
Rajni Hasija is a highly accomplished professional who has made significant contributions to the Indian Railways throughout her career. Her leadership, vision, and dedication have helped transform the organization and improve the customer experience for millions of passengers. She is truly an inspiration to aspiring professionals in the transportation and logistics industry.
