Sonali Mishra: First Woman Appointed as Director General of Railway Protection Force

In a historic move for India's security sector, Ms. Sonali Mishra, an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the 1993 batch of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has been appointed as the Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). This appointment marks her as the first woman to lead the central armed police force in its 143-year history.

Her selection was sanctioned by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet and her term will extend until her retirement on October 31, 2026. Ms. Mishra brings more than thirty years of experience in various significant policing roles both domestically and internationally.

Before stepping into the role at the RPF, she served as the Additional Director General of Police (Selection/Recruitment) in Madhya Pradesh, with responsibilities also including ADG at the Police Training & Research Institute and Director of the Madhya Pradesh Police Academy in Bhopal. Her career also includes key positions within the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Border Security Force (BSF), as well as international peacekeeping experience with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo.

Ms. Mishra's dedication to her work has earned her prestigious accolades, including the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

The Railway Protection Force, operating under the Ministry of Railways, is responsible for the safety of railway assets, securing passengers, and crime prevention across India's extensive railway network. The force comprises over 74,000 personnel and is active in thousands of stations and trains daily.

Under Ms. Mishra's leadership, the RPF aims to enhance its operations by embracing modern technology, improving crime prevention coordination, and strengthening efforts against human trafficking and crimes affecting vulnerable passengers.

Upon assuming her new role, Ms. Mishra expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and reiterated her commitment to the RPF’s motto “Yasho Labhasva,” meaning “Attain Honour.” She emphasized her dedication to the values of vigilance, courage, and public service.

The RPF has welcomed its new Director General with optimism, anticipating a future of reform, innovation, and inclusive leadership under her stewardship.