In a landmark development for India’s security forces, Ms. Sonali Mishra, a 1993-batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has taken over as the Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). With this appointment, she becomes the first woman to head the central armed police force in its 143-year history.
Her appointment was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet and will continue until her superannuation on October 31, 2026. Ms. Mishra brings with her over three decades of service across key policing roles, both in India and abroad.
Prior to assuming charge of the RPF, she served as Additional Director General of Police (Selection/Recruitment) in Madhya Pradesh, along with the additional responsibilities of ADG at the Police Training & Research Institute and Director of the Madhya Pradesh Police Academy in Bhopal. She has also held key roles in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Border Security Force (BSF), and has international peacekeeping experience with the United Nations Mission in Kosovo.
Recognized for her commitment to excellence, she has been awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.
The Railway Protection Force, functioning under the Ministry of Railways, is tasked with safeguarding railway property, ensuring passenger security, and preventing crime across India’s vast railway network. With a sanctioned strength of over 74,000 personnel, the RPF operates across thousands of stations and trains daily.
Under Ms. Mishra’s leadership, the Force is expected to focus on modernization through the adoption of advanced technology, improved coordination in crime prevention, and stronger measures against human trafficking and crimes targeting vulnerable passengers.
On taking charge, Ms. Mishra expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and reaffirmed her commitment to the RPF’s motto “Yasho Labhasva,” which translates to “Attain Honour.” She emphasized her dedication to the values of vigilance, courage, and public service.
The RPF welcomed its new Director General with optimism, looking ahead to a new era of reform, innovation, and inclusive leadership under her guidance.
