Railway Man

by R.R. Jaruhar

R.R. Jaruhar gives a fascinating and vivid account of his long and illustrious career in the IndianRailways. The engaging narrative is peppered with awe-inspiring anecdotes as well as amusingadventures often experienced in the most trying of conditions. Jaruhar’s steely determination, humilityand cheerful disposition helped him survive murderous dacoits, tough union leaders and even tigers!The most striking reminiscence—in a Bollywood-like story of social engineering—is when he gotdacoits to eschew violence and join as stakeholders in the construction of the Gandak rail bridge.He shares some of the milestones achieved by the Indian Railways over the years and reflects onwhy each milestone holds important management lessons—especially the dramatic turnaround ofthe Railways between 2005 and 2007. This turnaround became a subject of research at not onlythe World Bank and the Harvard Business School, but also IIM Ahmedabad and the Indian Schoolof Business, Hyderabad. However, it is Jaruhar’s perspective on life and relationships that shinesthrough. The maturity and the grace with which he dealt with crippling adversities, connivingcolleagues and punishment postings hold an important lesson for The right train of thoughtcan take us to a better station in our lives.

416 pages, Hardcover

Published February 20, 2020

Reviews

[Hari Shanker · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book by Shri Jaruhar! Though written about his professional and personal journey in Railway Service but it is a remarkable and inspiring book which can be used by one and all for how we must conduct in our professional and personal life.The language is very lucid and cohesive.His narration of events are very frank .He was fearless not only in his service, he has been equally fearless in his expression.The content of book is though mostly technical and related to Railway but has been written in such a beautiful way that any one including non engineers can thoroughly enjoy it without any difficulty.
His experience on how he executed two historical unique projects of bridging mighty Brahmputra river (Assam) and ferocious Burhi Gandak river (UP-Bihar) is worth reading by all project managers, engineers and designers . Such experience can not be found in any text book.His handling of union issues in Ferozpur, various gruesome Railway accidents and finally dramatic turn round of Indian Railway making it the Golden era of Indian Railway is worth reading.
Every one including me who knew his working in Railway always wished that he must pen his vast experiences for inspiration to others. Finally he has obliged one and all.I had worked under him for only 4 months on Burhi Gandak Bridge project but it was a life changing experience.Taming of not only ferocious Burhi Gandak river but taming of those dacoits and adamant forest Bureaucracy was an experience beyond description.His human values and Technical prowess were on full display. This book is "must read" for every one specially the Railway Engineers.

[Jaya Verma · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rail Man

I love the biography, autobiography, memoris, the entire line from Becoming to Educated to Shoe Dog etc

But never read a memoir by an engineer so was very curious. It was unputdownable. The journey of a person coming from a very humble background from a very cosmopolitan town going on to complete his engineering always topping, joining the Indian Railways and starting his career at a place called 'Kachrapara'
It was a place where the mode of lights was lanterns

Not dithered Mr Jaruhar, an honest, simple hardworking man rose the ranks and file to nearly become the chairman of the Indian railways which was denied to him because of politics

In his long career with the largest carrier he built several bridges not only on rivers but in HR and with workers to ensure the smooth functioning of the railways

When we use an iPhone we remember Steve Jobs. When we use our computers we remember Bill Gates. After reading this book anyone travelling by Indian railways will always say, thank you Mr Jaruhar.

Strongly recommend to all who are starting their work career