Ms Deepa Kotnis, Executive Director (Finance) & CFO, IRFC, participated as a panelist at the 7th Edition of the Smart Railway Conclave - Future Rail India 2026, where she shared her perspectives on leadership, institutional development and infrastructure financing.

Speaking about her professional journey, she reflected on how every experience contributes to one’s growth. She noted that while careers may not always follow a planned path, every learning eventually finds relevance at the right stage.

Drawing from her experience within and outside the Railways, Ms. Kotnis spoke about the importance of building systems that are robust, sustainable and continue to function effectively over time. She also observed that while the Railways’ well-established processes are among its greatest strengths, it is equally important to remain focused on the larger objective.

On infrastructure financing, she emphasised that projects funded through borrowings require timely execution and disciplined financial management, as delays increase financing costs. She added that efficient implementation and prudent financial planning are essential for achieving better outcomes and ensuring the effective use of public resources.

The conclave brought together policymakers, industry leaders and experts to deliberate on the future of India’s railway sector.