From building Jaipur’s first metro line to driving Rajasthan’s renewable energy revolution, IAS officer Ajitabh Sharma has spent nearly three decades blending the precision of an engineer with the vision of an administrator. His journey reflects not just governance, but the transformation of an entire state.
A Pink City Boy Who Dreamed Big
Born in Jaipur in 1972, Sharma grew up in the vibrant Pink City, surrounded by heritage yet driven by modern aspirations. Armed with a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Delhi, he brought a problem-solving mindset into public service. In 1996, he chose the Indian Administrative Service (Rajasthan cadre), setting the stage for a career that would redefine governance across energy, transport, and industry.
Grassroots Lessons in Leadership
Sharma’s early postings as Collector and District Magistrate in Kota, Churu, Bhilwara, Karauli, and Barmer grounded him in Rajasthan’s diverse challenges—from drought management in desert belts to infrastructure upgrades in urban hubs. By engaging directly with communities, he ensured that policies on paper translated into visible impact on the ground.
Transforming Rajasthan: One Sector at a Time
Over 25 years, Sharma has left his mark across nearly every critical sector:
Energy & Renewables: As Principal Secretary (Energy) and Chairman of Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation, he scaled solar and wind projects, turning Rajasthan into a clean power hub.
Urban Transport: As CMD of Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation, he modernized the city’s transport system, easing congestion and connecting communities.
Industry & Commerce: At RIICO, he spearheaded global investor summits, putting Rajasthan on the international map for clean energy and manufacturing investments.
Governance at the Top: As Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, he coordinated state-wide policies, ensuring cross-sectoral progress.
Engineering Precision, Public Service Heart
Colleagues say Sharma’s style is a rare mix of technical sharpness and human sensitivity. While his IIT background gives him the tools to break down complex challenges, his administrative years have kept him rooted in people’s needs. From setting up integrated development authorities to restructuring power distribution, his projects have been about long-term, tangible change.
Rajasthan’s Green Future
Today, Sharma is steering Rajasthan toward becoming India’s renewable powerhouse, ensuring the state’s abundant sunlight and wind are harnessed to fuel sustainable growth. For him, energy reform is not just about technology—it’s about securing livelihoods, boosting industry, and preparing Rajasthan for the future.
The Road Ahead
As Rajasthan races ahead in renewable energy, infrastructure, and industry, Ajitabh Sharma’s imprint remains unmistakable. For younger IAS officers, his career serves as a lesson: public service is not about maintaining the system, but about reforming it to serve better.
From Jaipur’s narrow lanes to global investment summits, Sharma’s story is proof that with vision, precision, and persistence, one officer can help rewrite the destiny of a state.