Sonali Mishra, a 1993-batch IPS officer from Madhya Pradesh cadre, has become the first woman Director General (DG) of the Railway Protection Force (RPF).
About Sonali Mishra
- Current Post: ADG (Selection), Madhya Pradesh Police.
- Takes Over From: Manoj Yadava (Retires on July 31, 2025).
- Tenure as RPF DG: Till superannuation on October 31, 2026.
- Major Career Milestones:
- First woman BSF Commander on the India-Pakistan Punjab border (2021).
- IG of BSF’s Kashmir Formation and Head of BSF Intelligence Wing.
- Former ADG in the BSF.
- Awards:
- President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPMDS).
- Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PMMS).
About Railway Protection Force (RPF)
| Particular | Details |
| Established Under | RPF Act, 1957 |
| Status | Declared Armed Force of the Union in 1985 |
| Administrative Control | Ministry of Railways |
| Main Function | Security of railway property and passenger areas |
| Special Units | 12 RPSF Battalions (+3 more forming, including Mahila Battalion) |
| Powers | Arrest, enquire, and prosecute for unlawful possession of railway property (from 1966) |
Key Duties of RPF Officers
- Protect railway infrastructure from crime and vandalism.
- Prevent trafficking of women and children; rehabilitate orphans.
- Ensure passenger safety by eliminating anti-social elements.
- Coordinate with Government Railway Police (GRP) and railway administration.
- Prevent ticket touting and enforce railway security laws.
Notable RPF Operations
| Operation | Objective |
| Nanhe Faristey | Reuniting missing/lost children with families. |
| Jeevan Raksha | Saving passengers from accidents. |
| Meri Saheli | Ensuring safety of women travelers. |
| Uplabdh | Crackdown on touts; ₹44.46 lakh in tickets seized. |
| NARCOS | Action against narcotics smuggling on trains. |
| Yatri Suraksha | Arresting criminals targeting passengers. |
| Seva | Helping elderly/sick/injured during travel. |
Key Facts
- First Woman RPF DG – Sonali Mishra.
- RPF Status as Armed Force – Since 1985.
- RPF’s Role in Anti-Trafficking & Child Welfare.
- Important Operations of RPF – Nanhe Faristey, Meri Saheli, NARCOS, Uplabdh.