**Summary:**
On August 1, 2025, Ms. Sonali Mishra, IPS (1993 batch, Madhya Pradesh cadre), assumed the role of Director General, Railway Protection Force (DGRPF). This appointment marks a historic first for the RPF in its 143-year history. Approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, Ms. Mishra will serve as DGRPF until her superannuation on October 31, 2026.
Ms. Mishra brings over three decades of policing experience to the role, having previously served as Additional Director General of Police Selection-Recruitment with additional charges of ADG, Police Training Research Institute, Bhopal, and Director of the Madhya Pradesh Police Academy, Bhopal. Her prior service includes tenures with the CBI, BSF, and the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo. She is a recipient of the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
As Director General, Ms. Mishra will lead the RPF in its mandate to ensure the security of railway property, passenger safety, and crime prevention across the Indian Railways network. Her focus will be on modernization, capacity building, community engagement, leveraging technology, and strengthening the RPF's role in preventing organized crime, including human trafficking and crimes against vulnerable passengers. Ms. Mishra expressed her commitment to upholding the values of vigilance, courage, and service upon assuming charge.
This release was issued by PIB Delhi. The Release ID is 2151519.
Key Entities Referenced
Sonali Mishra: Appointed as Director General of Railway Protection Force (DGRPF).
Railway Protection Force (RPF): An Indian law enforcement agency under the Ministry of Railways, responsible for the security of railway property and passenger safety.
Appointments Committee of the Cabinet: The committee that approved Sonali Mishra's appointment as DGRPF.
Madhya Pradesh: The Indian state where Sonali Mishra served in the police cadre.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): An Indian central investigation agency where Sonali Mishra previously served.
Border Security Force (BSF): An Indian border security force where Sonali Mishra previously served.
United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo: An international mission where Sonali Mishra served.
Police Training Research Institute, Bhopal: Institution where Sonali Mishra served as Additional Director General of Police
Ministry of Railways
Ms. Sonali Mishra, IPS, Assumes Charge as Director
General, Railway Protection Force
Posted On: 01 AUG 2025 7:10PM by PIB Delhi
The Railway Protection Force (RPF) welcomes Ms. Sonali Mishra, IPS (1993 batch, Madhya Pradesh cadre)
as the new Director General of RPF, marking a historic first in the 143-year journey of the Force.
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved her appointment as DG/RPF until her superannuation
on October 31, 2026.
An officer known for her professionalism, dedication and leadership across key policing roles, Ms. Mishra
brings over three decades of distinguished service to the post. Prior to this assignment, she served as
Additional Director General of Police (Selection/Recruitment) with the additional charges of ADG, Police
Training & Research Institute, Bhopal and Director of the Madhya Pradesh Police Academy, Bhopal. She has
also served in the CBI, BSF and has international exposure of having served with the United Nations
Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo.She has been honoured with prestigious awards including the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished
Service and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service in recognition of her commitment to excellence and
professionalism.
The Railway Protection Force, mandated with the security of railway property, passenger safety and crime
prevention across one of the world’s largest rail networks, stands to benefit from her visionary and inclusive
leadership. Her extensive experience across state and central police organizations is expected to bring
renewed momentum to modernization, capacity building and community engagement within the Force.
In particular, her focus will be on strengthening RPF's initiatives in leveraging cutting-edge technology and
enhancing its role in preventing organised crime such as human trafficking and crimes against vulnerable
passengers.
On assuming charge, Ms. Mishra expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed her
commitment to upholding the values of vigilance, courage and service that define the RPF’s motto “Yasho
Labhasva”
The Force proudly welcomes its new leader and looks forward to achieving new milestones under her
stewardship.
*****
Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Ritu Raj
(Release ID: 2151519)