In a sudden move, Railway Board Secretary KBL Mittal has been removed from his post and Shivaji Rakshit appointed in his place.
"I took over the post of Railway Board Secretary yesterday (Feb 2) evening," Rakshit told PTI here today.
Mittal, awaiting posting, was asked to vacate the job for Rakshit at about 7 PM yesterday by the Railway Ministry.
However, Rakshit's appointment is subject to the approval of the appointment committee of the Union Cabinet.
"I am looking forward to do my best to carry forward the legacy of Railways... To fulfil the demand and aspiration of its employees as far as possible," said Rakshit.
He was earlier posted as financial adviser in South Eastern Railway.
Railway ministry officials have refused to say anything on the reason behind the sudden development, which has come barely weeks before the presentation of the rail budget on February 24.