Chief Operations Manager

About L&T Metro Rail Hyderabad Limited

L&T Metro Rail (Hyderabad) Limited (L&TMRHL), a subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro founded in 2010, is responsible for the design, construction, financing, operation, and maintenance of Hyderabad's Metro Rail Project using a Public-Private Partnership model. Operating one of India's largest metro networks that includes 69.2 km and 57 stations over three corridors, it facilitates safe, sustainable, and effective urban transit for millions. Beyond transport, the company integrates world-class infrastructure with Transit Oriented Development to foster urban development and economic growth in Hyderabad.

Role Overview

The Chief Operations Manager will lead metro rail operations, ensuring safe, dependable, efficient, and cost-effective train services. This role supervises the Operations Management Contractor, promoting operational excellence, adherence to safety and regulatory mandates, and attainment of RAMS (Reliability, Availability, Maintainability, Safety) objectives. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, this role is critical to the metro’s strategic and operational success.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of OMC activities related to metro operations including the Operations Control Centre (OCC), station operations, traffic management, and facility oversight.
• Oversee training programs, revenue management, and Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment (QHSE) compliance.
• Ensure effective coordination among operations, maintenance, depot, safety, and project teams.
• Lead implementation and continuous monitoring of operational safety standards, conduct safety audits across stations, depots, and OCC.
• Chair quarterly Railway Safety Management Unit meetings to facilitate ongoing safety improvements.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, regulatory requirements, and statutory norms including O&M and concession agreements, Metro Railway O&M Act.
• Manage interactions with external stakeholders—engineers, consultants, vendors, regulatory authorities—to resolve operational, safety, training, and project-related issues.
• Coordinate inspections and readiness for stage-wise CMRS audits.
• Review workforce plans, oversee psychometric assessments alongside RDSO, and ensure adequate staffing for operational needs.
• Track operational KPIs, analyze performance reports, recommend corrective measures, and manage operations budget.
• Collaborate with maintenance teams to resolve operational challenges and enhance service delivery.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and operational preparedness at stations, depots, and OCC.
• Execute strategic initiatives and special assignments as delegated by the COO.

Educational and Professional Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline is mandatory.
• Minimum 25 years of substantial experience in train operations.
• Strong leadership experience within metro rail systems, Indian Railways, mass transit, or large-scale transport operations.
• Proven expertise in OCC operations, rail safety regulations, testing & commissioning processes, and regulatory compliance management.
• Demonstrated ability in stakeholder engagement and contract management.
• Experienced in managing large, diverse teams and cross-disciplinary operational functions.
• Rich multidisciplinary knowledge related to Indian Railways and Metro Rail systems.