Indian Institute of Management Jammu inaugurates MDP on Managerial Mindset: Strategies for Effective Leading and Decision Making for Indian Metro Rail Organizations’ Society

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu inaugurated a three-day Management Development Programme (MDP) on Managerial Mindset: Strategies for Effective Leading and Decision-Making. Making for officials of the Indian Metro Rail Organizations’ Society, scheduled from February 26 to 28, 2026, at its Jagti Campus. The inaugural ceremony was presided over by Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Prof. Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu, and program directors Dr. Mamta Tripathi and Dr. V. Rajkumar, IIM Jammu. The 14 participants represented metro rail corporations from Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Gujarat, Kochi, and Uttar Pradesh, bringing diverse operational perspectives and rich cross-learning opportunities to the program. The inaugural ceremony commenced with the lamp lighting ceremony.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean of Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu, described the program as highly relevant and intellectually engaging. He noted that I-Metro Society brings together diverse metro systems from across the country, offering a strong platform for mutual learning. Referring to the rapid growth of metro rail networks in India, he observed that the nation has developed a refined transportation ecosystem that matches and at times surpasses international standards.

Providing a brief overview of IIM Jammu, he shared that among all the IIMs in India, IIM Jammu has grown rapidly and is currently in its third phase of development. Drawing parallels between the fast-paced expansion of Indian metros and the Institute’s own growth journey, he encouraged participants to learn from such models of institutional emergence. He emphasized that the program goes beyond academics, serving as an opportunity to refine leadership skills through meaningful discussions and collaborative learning, and expressed confidence that participants would leave with rich takeaways while embracing the rare opportunity of being students once again.

Prof. Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu, expressed his pleasure in welcoming the participants and noted that Executive Education serves as a vital bridge between academia and industry. Drawing from his own professional transition experiences, he emphasized the importance of linking theoretical frameworks with real-world organizational challenges. He highlighted that executive education fosters meaningful cross-learning, where faculty and participants mutually enrich one another through shared insights. Referring to the rapid advancement of Indian metro systems, he observed that they are highly evolved and continuously progressing and encouraged participants to carry valuable learnings back to their organizations while also contributing to the Institute’s knowledge ecosystem.

Delivering the Welcome Address, Dr. Mamta Tripathi, Programme Director, IIM Jammu, warmly welcomed the participants and thanked I-Metro Society for once again choosing IIM Jammu as its knowledge partner. She also expressed pride in the participation of metro rail corporations from Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Gujarat, Kochi, and Uttar Pradesh and conveyed her interest in strengthening future collaborations. She briefly outlined that the three-day program focuses on data-driven and strategic decision-making, delivered through a diverse pedagogy comprising case studies, video-based learning, interactive discussions, and expert sessions from academia and industry.

During the inaugural session, participants shared brief introductions and outlined their expectations from the training program. Representing metro rail corporations from across the country, they expressed interest in strengthening strategic thinking, enhancing decision-making capabilities, adopting data-driven managerial approaches, and learning best practices from peer organizations. The interactive exchange set a collaborative tone for the three-day engagement and reinforced the spirit of cross-learning central to the MDP. The program is designed to sharpen managerial mindsets, deepen strategic orientation, and equip leaders with effective decision-making skills suited to dynamic urban infrastructure environments.

Dr. V. Rajkumar, Programme Director, IIM Jammu, delivered the Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the leadership, faculty members, organizing team, and participants for their active engagement. The inaugural ceremony culminated with the National Anthem. This initiative reaffirms IIM Jammu’s commitment to delivering high-impact executive education programs that support capacity building and leadership excellence in critical infrastructure sectors across the nation. The training program is being coordinated by IIM Jammu Executive Education and Consultancy.