New Delhi: Sonali Mishra, a 1993-batch IPS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has taken charge as Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), becoming the first woman to head the organisation since its inception in 1882. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved her appointment until her superannuation on 31 October 2026.

Mishra brings more than three decades of experience to her new role, having held senior positions across multiple central and state-level policing institutions. Before joining the RPF, she served as Additional Director General of Police (Selection/Recruitment) and held additional responsibilities as ADG, Police Training & Research Institute, Bhopal and Director of the Madhya Pradesh Police Academy.

Her career includes key assignments in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Border Security Force (BSF), along with a stint in the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo. She has been awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

In her new role, Mishra will lead the RPF in safeguarding railway property, enhancing passenger safety, and addressing crimes across the Indian Railways network. Her focus is expected to include modernisation of the force, capacity building, and deeper community engagement. She is also expected to prioritise technology adoption and reinforce the force’s role in tackling crimes such as human trafficking and offences against vulnerable passengers.

On assuming charge, Mishra said, “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve and reaffirm my commitment to upholding the values of vigilance, courage and service that define the RPF’s motto ‘Yasho Labhasva’.” The Railway Protection Force has welcomed its new leader and expressed optimism about the direction and energy she brings to the organisation.

BI Bureau