In the vast and intricate tapestry of Indian Railways, few names shine as brightly as Uday Singh Mina, an accomplished officer of the Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) from the 1994 batch. His recent appointment as the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) of the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Division, East Central Railway, in April 2025, marks yet another milestone in a career defined by technical brilliance, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to modernization. With a journey spanning over three decades, Mina’s story is one of relentless dedication a dynamic blend of engineering prowess and administrative finesse that continues to drive one of India’s busiest railway divisions forward.
The Genesis of a Railway Maestro
Uday Singh Mina’s story begins with a foundation rooted in ambition and intellect. While details of his early life remain private, his academic journey took him to the hallowed halls of an esteemed engineering institution, where he earned a degree that would set the stage for his remarkable career. Joining the IRSME in 1994, Mina entered the world of Indian Railways with a passion for mechanical engineering and a vision to transform the system from within. Assigned to the Northern Railway initially, he embarked on a path that would see him rise through the ranks, leaving an indelible mark wherever he went.
His technical expertise was evident from the start. As an IRSME officer, Mina’s domain encompassed the maintenance, design, and development of locomotives, rolling stock, and mechanical infrastructure critical components that keep the railway network humming. But it wasn’t just his engineering acumen that set him apart; it was his ability to translate technical knowledge into actionable, real-world solutions that earned him early recognition.
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A Career Built on Excellence
Mina’s career is a testament to his versatility and resilience. His early postings as a Divisional Mechanical Engineer (DME) across various zones exposed him to the nuts and bolts of railway operations. Whether it was ensuring the reliability of locomotives in challenging terrains or overseeing the upkeep of passenger coaches, Mina approached every task with meticulous attention to detail. His hands-on leadership style quickly made him a favorite among his teams, who admired his ability to balance technical rigor with a human touch.
One of his standout tenures came as Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME) at the Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala, Punjab. Here, Mina played a pivotal role in overseeing the production and maintenance of railway coaches, driving innovations that improved both efficiency and passenger comfort. Under his watch, RCF saw advancements in coach design and quality control, reflecting his forward-thinking approach to modernizing India’s railway fleet. “He had a way of making complex problems seem solvable,” a former colleague recalls, a testament to Mina’s knack for breaking down challenges and building solutions.
As he climbed the ranks, Mina’s scope expanded beyond the mechanical sphere. His stints as Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer and later as Chief Workshop Engineer showcased his ability to manage large teams and complex operations. From ensuring the timely overhaul of rolling stock to implementing safety protocols, he became known as a leader who could keep the wheels of progress turning literally and figuratively.
A New Chapter as DRM: Deen Dayal Upadhyay Division
In April 2025, Uday Singh Mina took charge as the Divisional Railway Manager of the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Division (formerly Mughalsarai), one of the most critical and busiest divisions under the East Central Railway zone. Headquartered in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, this division is a linchpin in India’s railway network, handling a massive volume of freight and passenger traffic along the Delhi-Howrah mainline. Relieving Shri Rajesh Gupta IRSSE, Mina stepped into a role that demands not just technical expertise but also strategic vision and administrative mastery.
The Deen Dayal Upadhyay Division is no stranger to challenges congested routes, aging infrastructure, and the need for seamless coordination with other zones. Yet, Mina’s appointment has sparked optimism. His track record suggests he’s the right man for the job, bringing a blend of innovation and pragmatism to the table. “This division is the backbone of our freight and passenger movement,” Mina remarked upon taking charge. “My goal is to make it stronger, faster, and more reliable.”
Already, his tenure has hinted at transformative changes. Drawing on his mechanical engineering roots, Mina is expected to prioritize the modernization of locomotive sheds, enhance turnaround times for freight trains, and bolster safety measures. His experience at RCF could also pave the way for upgraded passenger amenities, ensuring that the division meets the growing demands of a modernizing India.
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A Leader with a Purpose
What sets Uday Singh Mina apart is his holistic approach to leadership. He’s not just an engineer or an administrator he’s a problem-solver with a deep sense of purpose. During his time with Northern Railway, he championed initiatives to reduce downtime for locomotives, a move that saved costs and improved operational efficiency. At RCF, he pushed for sustainable practices in coach manufacturing, aligning railway operations with environmental goals. Now, as DRM, he’s poised to tackle broader issues like traffic decongestion and digital integration, leveraging technology to streamline processes.
Colleagues describe him as a leader who inspires trust. “He listens, he plans, and he executes,” says a subordinate from his Kapurthala days. “You always knew he had your back.” This people-centric approach has been a cornerstone of his success, enabling him to rally teams around a shared vision, whether in a workshop or a divisional office.
Beyond the Rails
While Mina’s professional life is a whirlwind of responsibility, he remains a grounded individual. A fitness enthusiast and a keen reader of history and technology, he finds balance amid the chaos of railway management. Though little is known about his personal life, his dedication to family and community shines through in his work ethic. For Mina, the railways aren’t just a job they’re a lifeline for millions, and he approaches his role with that gravity.
His journey also carries a broader significance. As a 1994-batch IRSME officer who has risen to DRM, Mina is a role model for young engineers and railway aspirants. His career underscores the power of technical expertise paired with perseverance, proving that one can climb to the top through merit and hard work.
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Honors and Legacy
Mina’s contributions have earned him accolades within the railway fraternity, though he remains modest about his achievements. His real legacy, however, lies in the systems he’s strengthened and the lives he’s impacted from passengers enjoying smoother rides to workers benefiting from safer, more efficient operations. As DRM, he has the chance to leave an even bigger mark, shaping the future of one of India’s most vital railway divisions.
The Road Ahead
As of April 4, 2025, Uday Singh Mina stands at the helm of the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Division, ready to steer it into a new era. His plans likely include boosting freight capacity under initiatives like Mission Raftaar, enhancing passenger services, and integrating cutting-edge technology into daily operations. With his technical background and leadership experience, he’s well-equipped to address the division’s challenges and elevate its performance.
Mina’s story is one of ascent a tale of an engineer who became a leader, a visionary who turned ideas into action, and a man who sees the railways as more than steel and tracks. In the bustling yards of Mughalsarai and the quiet villages along the tracks, his presence is a promise of progress delivered, of systems reimagined, and of a railway network that moves India forward. Uday Singh Mina isn’t just an IRSME officer; he’s a driving force behind the nation’s lifeline, a beacon of what dedication and ingenuity can achieve.
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