RAILWAYMAN: AN ENGINEER’S MEMOIR
The story of an engineer par excellence who not only built bridges in the toughest terrains, but also bridged divides among people
The program includes a panel discussion on “Outlook of Indian Railway’s future”
#RRJaruhar gives a fascinating and vivid account of his long and illustrious career in the Indian Railways. This engaging narrative is peppered with awe-inspiring as well as amusing anecdotes, often experienced in the most trying of conditions.
Jaruhar’s steely determination, humility and cheerful disposition helped him survive murderous dacoits, rowdy union leaders and even tigers! The most striking is when he got dacoits to eschew violence and join as stakeholders in the construction of the Gandak rail bridge in a Bollywood-like case of social engineering.
He shares some of the milestones achieved by the Indian Railways over the years and reflects why each milestone holds important management lessons, especially the dramatic turnaround of the Railways between 2005 and 2007.
This turnaround became a subject of research at not only the World Bank and the Harvard Business School, but also IIM Ahmadabad and Indian School of Business, Hyderabad. However, it is Jaruhar’s perspective on life and relationships that shines through.
The maturity and the grace with which he dealt with crippling adversity, conniving colleagues and punishment postings holds an important lesson for us: “The right train of thought can take us to a better station in our lives”.
As we journey with him through the implementation challenges in projects, the bureaucratic maze in the corridors of power and the world of railway politics, we are offered a deep insight into how public policy and realpolitik affects the railways.
Jaruhar’s book celebrates the railwayman of India and is a befitting tribute to the great work done and the selfless service provided by Indian Railways to connect the remotest corners and the most difficult and dangerous terrains of our vast nation.
Retirement has not dulled his spirit and he continues to be associated with numerous current projects, including the National Capital Region Transport Corporation.
Some important Highlights in the achievement
The Bridge over River Brahmaputra (1979 -86)
The second bridge on the mighty Brahmaputra, near Tezpur in Assam, was sanctioned in 1979 in answer to the persistent demand to bridge the River Brahmaputra very well known as a ferocious river, often compared to Amazon River in Brazil.
Although a road bridge, the North Eastern Council (NEC) which sponsored the project under national funding, reposed their confidence in Railways only, which had the experience of bridging all the major and important rivers in India. The bridge was designed, planned and constructed by Railways, the project team led by R R Jaruhar, specially deputed for the purpose.
Almost 3 Km long bridge was almost the longest but had to overcome extra- ordinarily difficult natural challenges like very short available construction period and strong flowing conditions which called for many innovative measures, which have subsequently been successfully followed elsewhere in the Country with very good results. But more disturbing was effect of years of Assam agitation which had thrown all normal life, conditions in jeopardy.
But inspite of that, the work was completed almost in time and very nearly within the estimated cost. It had special mention in the parliament and Rajiv Gandhi, the PM, who came to inaugurate the bridge could not resist asking him, “How could you complete such a work?” The reply was, “Sir, I was allowed to do it.” The PM while awarding the Gold Medal mentioned, “I wish many projects are completed like that.”
The Bridge over the River Great Gandak (1990-94)
“Outlook of Indian Railway’s future”
R. R. Jaruhar launching his book entitled “Railwayman-An Engineer’s Memoir” scheduled on 13th March, 2020 in Tamarind, India Habitat Center, New Delhi at 4 Pm.
Mr. Yashwant Sinha former Finance Minister is the Chief guest
The program includes a panel discussion on ‘Outlook of Indian Railway’s future’.
The panel includes-
- Chairman, RlyBd Mr. Vinod Kumar Yadav
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Prof. Ramnarayan from Indian School of Business, Hyderabad
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Mr. Pratyush Sinha Former CVC, and
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Mr. R. R. Jaruhar
It will be anchored and moderated by Mr Rakesh Chopra former Member Engineering, Railway Board
*R.R.Jaruhar is a living legend and former Member Engineering, Railway Board