New Delhi, July 1, 2026: The Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) has approved the deputation of Dr. Alok Kumar Bhargava, an Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) officer of the 1999 batch, to the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) as General Manager (CEP). The appointment will be based in New Delhi and will be for a five-year tenure, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Dr. Bhargava is currently serving as Chief Engineer/General (CE/G) in Northern Railway. His selection follows the successful completion of the official selection process conducted for the senior position at CRIS, the technology arm of Indian Railways.
According to the order issued by the Railway Board, the deputation will be governed by the standard terms and conditions applicable to railway officers on deputation. Dr. Bhargava will continue to receive his parent pay along with the applicable deputation allowance throughout his tenure.
The appointment is also subject to CRIS continuing to enjoy the existing exemption from the rule of immediate absorption, which applies to railway officers serving in the organization.
The Railway Board has instructed Northern Railway to relieve Dr. Bhargava at the earliest so that he can assume charge of his new responsibilities. The date of his relief is to be officially communicated to the Board.
About Dr. Alok Kumar Bhargava
Dr. Alok Kumar Bhargava joined the Indian Railway Service of Engineers (IRSE) on September 20, 1999, and belongs to the 1999 batch. Born on September 26, 1971, he has built extensive expertise in railway engineering, infrastructure development, project execution, and engineering management during his distinguished career in Indian Railways.
His experience in managing large-scale railway infrastructure projects is expected to contribute significantly to the technological advancement of CRIS.
About CRIS
The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) serves as the information technology backbone of Indian Railways. It develops, operates, and maintains several mission-critical digital platforms that support railway operations across the country.
Its key responsibilities include managing systems for:
- Passenger Reservation System (PRS)
- Freight Operations Information System (FOIS)
- Crew Management System (CMS)
- Railway ticketing and reservation technologies
- Digital logistics and operational management platforms
- Enterprise IT solutions for Indian Railways
CRIS plays a vital role in driving the digital transformation of Indian Railways by modernizing operational systems, improving passenger services, enhancing freight management, and introducing advanced technology solutions across the railway network.
Significance of the Appointment
The appointment of Dr. Alok Kumar Bhargava as General Manager (CEP) is expected to strengthen CRIS’s leadership in implementing advanced digital initiatives and supporting the modernization of Indian Railways. His engineering expertise and administrative experience are likely to contribute to the organization’s ongoing efforts to improve operational efficiency, technological innovation, and digital infrastructure across one of the world’s largest railway networks.
