V. Umashankar is a 1993-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Haryana cadre, currently serving as Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India. He was appointed to this post in October 2024 following a senior-level reshuffle.
Education & Background
V. Umashankar has held a number of senior administrative positions during his career. He served prominently in the Government of Haryana, including as Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister. His academic background has not been widely documented in public records, but his career reflects extensive administrative and governance experience.
Career and Appointments
Roles in State Government
Umashankar served in various departments in the Haryana government, including as:
- Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Haryana
- Additional Chief Secretary in charge of key portfolios such as Information, Public Relations, Languages & Culture, and Foreign Cooperation
His tenure in these positions, especially from 2019 to 2024, involved policy formulation, administrative reforms, and coordination between various departments.
Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
In October 2024, he was appointed as Secretary, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. He formally joined the ministry after being relieved from his duties by the Haryana government in November 2024.
Key Responsibilities and Focus Areas
As Secretary of MoRTH, V. Umashankar is responsible for leading one of India’s largest infrastructure ministries. His focus areas include:
- National highway development under major schemes such as Bharatmala
- Policy formulation for road safety, transport regulation, and modernization
- Oversight of infrastructure execution in strategic and remote regions through affiliated agencies like the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL)
- Enhancing public-private partnerships and improving project execution efficiency across the country’s road and transport sectors
Summary
V. Umashankar is a senior IAS officer with a distinguished record in public administration. From key assignments in the Haryana government to heading the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways at the central level, he brings decades of governance experience to one of India’s most critical infrastructure sectors. His tenure is marked by a focus on policy modernization, project delivery, and nationwide connectivity enhancement.