Meet Sonali Mishra IPS: First Woman DG of Railway Protection Force
In a landmark achievement for Indian policing, Sonali Mishra, a 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director General (DG) of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). This historic appointment, effective from August 1, 2025, marks her as the first woman to lead the 143-year-old central security force, breaking new ground for gender inclusivity in India’s uniformed services, particularly within the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs). Her tenure, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, will continue until her superannuation on October 31, 2026.
Background and Early Career
Sonali Mishra’s journey in the Indian Police Service began in 1993, and over the past three decades, she has built a reputation for professionalism, discipline, and strategic leadership. A native of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, Mishra has held a variety of high-profile roles across state and central organizations, showcasing her versatility and operational expertise. Her career is distinguished by her ability to navigate complex security challenges, from counter-terrorism to international peacekeeping.
Before her appointment as DG RPF, Mishra served as the Additional Director General of Police (Selection/Recruitment) in Madhya Pradesh, with additional responsibilities as ADG of the Police Training & Research Institute and Director of the Madhya Pradesh Police Academy in Bhopal. These roles honed her skills in personnel management, training, and institutional reform, preparing her for the leadership demands of the RPF.
A Trailblazing Career
Mishra’s career is marked by several pioneering achievements:
- Border Security Force (BSF): In 2021, she became the first woman to command a BSF Frontier along the India-Pakistan border in Punjab, a critical and sensitive assignment. She also served as Inspector General of BSF Kashmir, where she directed anti-terror operations in one of India’s most volatile regions. Additionally, she headed the BSF’s Intelligence Wing and rose to the rank of Additional DG (Eastern Command), demonstrating her strategic acumen in national security.
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): Mishra’s tenure with the CBI allowed her to contribute to high-stakes investigations, further solidifying her reputation as a meticulous and effective officer.
- United Nations Peacekeeping Mission: Her international experience includes serving with the UN’s Civilian Police (CIVPOL) mission in Kosovo, where she gained valuable insights into global policing and peacekeeping operations.
- Madhya Pradesh Police: As ADG and Special DG, she led recruitment and human resource reforms, enhancing the efficiency and professionalism of the state police force. She also managed security arrangements for high-profile events, such as the Women’s Empowerment Conference in Bhopal on May 31, where she oversaw the security of the Prime Minister.
Also Read: IPS vs Army Officer: Who Earns More Money?
Her contributions have been recognized with prestigious awards, including the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service, underscoring her commitment to excellence in policing.
The Railway Protection Force: Role and Responsibilities
The Railway Protection Force, established in 1882 and formalized by an Act of Parliament in 1957, is tasked with ensuring the security of railway property, passenger safety, and crime prevention across India’s extensive railway network. Serving over 23 million passengers daily, the RPF plays a critical role in maintaining law and order in one of the world’s largest transportation systems. The force’s motto, “Yasho Labhasva” (Seek Glory), reflects its commitment to vigilance, courage, and service.
As DG, Mishra oversees a force responsible for protecting railway infrastructure, combating crimes such as theft and vandalism, and addressing serious issues like human trafficking and crimes against vulnerable passengers, particularly women and children. Her leadership is expected to bring a renewed focus on modernization and community engagement to enhance the RPF’s effectiveness.
Significance of the Appointment
Sonali Mishra’s appointment as the first woman DG of the RPF is a historic milestone for Indian policing and railway security. It represents a significant step towards gender equality in leadership roles within India’s Central Armed Police Forces, which have traditionally been male-dominated. Her appointment comes at a time when the RPF is increasingly leveraging technology and data-driven strategies to address modern security challenges, and Mishra’s extensive experience positions her to lead these efforts effectively.
Also Read: Equivalent Ranks of IAS, IPS, and Armed Forces Officers
Her role is particularly significant given the RPF’s critical mandate. The railway network, a lifeline for millions of Indians, faces diverse threats, from petty crimes to organized criminal activities. Mishra’s leadership is expected to strengthen the force’s ability to address these challenges while promoting inclusivity and professionalism.
Key Focus Areas
Mishra’s tenure as DG RPF is anticipated to prioritize several key areas:
- Technology Adoption: Leveraging cutting-edge technology, such as CCTV surveillance and data analytics, to enhance security and response capabilities across railway stations and trains.
- Crime Prevention: Strengthening initiatives to combat organized crimes, particularly human trafficking, which remains a significant concern in railway networks. The RPF’s recent success in rescuing 56 young women from the Capital Express at New Jalpaiguri station highlights the force’s critical role in this area.
- Modernization and Capacity Building: Drawing on her experience in training and recruitment, Mishra is likely to focus on improving the RPF’s operational capabilities through enhanced training programs and modernization efforts.
- Community Engagement: Promoting passenger safety, especially for vulnerable groups, through community outreach and awareness campaigns.
Her strategic vision is expected to align with the RPF’s ongoing efforts to modernize and adapt to evolving security challenges, ensuring a safer and more secure railway network for all.
Career Milestones and Achievements
The following table summarizes key milestones in Sonali Mishra’s career:
| Milestone | Details |
|---|---|
| IPS Batch and Cadre | 1993-batch, Madhya Pradesh cadre |
| First Woman BSF Frontier Commander | Commanded BSF Frontier along India-Pakistan border (Punjab, 2021) |
| BSF Kashmir Leadership | Served as Inspector General, directing anti-terror operations |
| BSF Intelligence Wing | Headed intelligence operations, later promoted to Additional DG (Eastern Command) |
| CBI Service | Contributed to high-stakes investigations |
| UN Peacekeeping Mission | Served with UN Civilian Police (CIVPOL) in Kosovo |
| Madhya Pradesh Police Roles | ADG (Selection/Recruitment), Director of Madhya Pradesh Police Academy |
| Awards | President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Police Medal for Meritorious Service |
| RPF Appointment | First woman DG of RPF, assumed charge on August 1, 2025, tenure until October 31, 2026 |
Challenges and Expectations
Leading the RPF comes with significant challenges, including managing security across a vast and complex railway network, addressing rising incidents of crime, and ensuring the safety of millions of passengers daily. Mishra’s experience in counter-terrorism, intelligence, and personnel management equips her to tackle these challenges effectively. Her international exposure and focus on technology are expected to drive innovations in railway security, such as the planned installation of CCTV cameras in all train coaches and engines.
Also Read: IPS Officer vs Army Officer - Who is more Powerful?
Moreover, her appointment is seen as a beacon of inspiration for women in law enforcement, encouraging greater participation and leadership in traditionally male-dominated fields. Her ability to balance operational excellence with inclusive leadership will be critical in shaping the RPF’s future.
Conclusion
Sonali Mishra’s appointment as the first woman Director General of the Railway Protection Force is a historic achievement that underscores her exceptional career and the evolving landscape of Indian policing. With over 30 years of experience in diverse and challenging roles, she is well-positioned to lead the RPF towards greater efficiency, modernization, and inclusivity. Her focus on technology, crime prevention, and community engagement will likely strengthen the force’s ability to serve and protect India’s railway passengers. As she takes on this pivotal role, Mishra’s leadership serves as a powerful symbol of progress and empowerment for women in India’s security forces.
