Sonali Mishra Becomes First Woman Director General of Railway Protection Force

Known for her impeccable service record, Ms. Mishra brings over three decades of experience spanning multiple policing domains.

In a landmark moment in Indian policing history, Ms. Sonali Mishra, IPS, a 1993-batch officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has officially assumed charge as the Director General (DG) of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). Her appointment marks a historic first—making her the first woman ever to lead the RPF in its 143-year history.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved her appointment, with tenure extending up to her superannuation on October 31, 2026. Her elevation to the top post is being hailed as a transformative step towards inclusive leadership in India’s internal security architecture.

---

A Storied Career in Indian Policing

Known for her impeccable service record, Ms. Mishra brings over three decades of experience spanning multiple policing domains. Her recent assignments include:

• Additional Director General of Police (Selection/Recruitment), Madhya Pradesh

• ADG, Police Training & Research Institute, Bhopal

• Director, Madhya Pradesh Police Academy, Bhopal

Throughout her career, Ms. Mishra has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of both grassroots policing and institutional reform. Her earlier tenures with India’s premier agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Border Security Force (BSF) enhanced her strategic and operational expertise across law enforcement challenges.

She also brings international exposure, having served with distinction in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo, where she worked in multi-national teams on conflict resolution and law enforcement capacity building.

---

Recognition for Distinguished Service

Ms. Mishra's commitment to excellence has been recognized with multiple national honors:

• President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service

• Police Medal for Meritorious Service

These accolades underscore her reputation as a dynamic, disciplined, and forward-looking officer who has consistently delivered results across diverse postings.

---

Historic Leadership at RPF

Ms. Mishra’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the Railway Protection Force, a central armed police force responsible for:

• Protecting railway property and infrastructure

• Ensuring passenger safety across India’s 67,000-km railway network

• Preventing organized crimes, including human trafficking, smuggling, and crimes against vulnerable groups

The RPF plays a vital role in maintaining security across one of the world’s largest and busiest rail networks. Ms. Mishra’s leadership is expected to catalyze modernization, improve accountability, and amplify the force’s community outreach programs.

---

A Vision for a Modern and Inclusive RPF

On assuming charge, DG Sonali Mishra expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to the RPF’s motto—“Yasho Labhasva” (Attain Honour). She noted that the trust placed in her reflects the evolving nature of Indian policing and the need for diverse leadership in the highest positions of command.

Her immediate priorities include:

• Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as facial recognition systems, predictive analytics, and AI surveillance tools for crime prevention

• Enhancing RPF’s capabilities in combating human trafficking, especially on long-distance trains and across vulnerable zones

• Focusing on crimes against women, children, and elderly passengers through targeted patrolling, awareness campaigns, and sensitisation of personnel

• Strengthening inter-agency coordination, especially with GRP, state police forces, and intelligence units

• Upskilling RPF personnel, with emphasis on cybercrime response, passenger interaction, and rights-based policing

She also emphasized the importance of women’s representation in law enforcement, noting that diverse leadership can lead to more inclusive and effective policing outcomes.

---

Welcoming a New Era in Railway Security

As the first woman DG of the RPF, Ms. Sonali Mishra has shattered a long-standing glass ceiling and has been widely lauded across the police fraternity, civil society, and women’s rights circles. Her rise is being seen not just as a personal achievement but as a symbol of institutional progress.

Under her stewardship, the RPF is expected to not only enhance its operational efficiency, but also to strengthen its public-facing role—protecting passengers, especially the most vulnerable, with vigilance and compassion.

With the Indian Railways moving toward more smart stations, integrated security systems, and AI-enabled surveillance, DG Mishra’s appointment signals a future-ready force under capable and visionary leadership.