IPS Sonali Mishra Set to Take Charge as First Woman DG of Railway Protection Force

New Delhi: In a historic move, senior IPS Sonali Mishra is set to become the first woman Director General (DG) of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), marking a major milestone in Indian policing. 

Mishra is a 1993 batch officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre. Her appointment is currently under consideration by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) and is expected to be approved shortly. She currently serves as Special Director General in the Madhya Pradesh Police. Her career spans over three decades and includes key leadership roles in central paramilitary forces, notably as Additional Director General in the Border Security Force (BSF). 

Mishra’s elevation is being hailed as a significant step toward gender inclusivity in India’s security services. While women have increasingly risen to senior ranks in state police and paramilitary forces, the top RPF post has remained male-dominated—until now.

Mishra’s appointment is expected to inspire more women to pursue careers in internal security and law enforcement at the highest levels.

The RPF plays a vital role in ensuring passenger safety, protecting railway infrastructure, and combating crimes such as theft, trafficking, and vandalism across over 67,000 kilometers of track.

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