Sonali Mishra Becomes First Woman to Head Railway Protection Force in 143 Years

New Delhi, Aug 25 : In a historic milestone for Indian policing, Sonali Mishra, a 1993 batch Indian Police Service (IPS) officer from the Madhya Pradesh cadre, has taken over as the Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). She is the first woman to lead the 143-year-old security force responsible for safeguarding India’s railway network.

Mishra’s appointment was officially cleared by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet and will remain in effect until her retirement on October 31, 2026. She succeeds Manoj Yadava, who retired on July 31.

With more than three decades of service, Mishra brings a wealth of experience in law enforcement and public safety. She has held significant positions both at the state and national levels. Before this appointment, she served as Additional Director General of Police (Selection and Recruitment) in Madhya Pradesh. She also simultaneously held the roles of ADG at the Police Training and Research Institute and Director of the Madhya Pradesh Police Academy in Bhopal.

Her career spans key stints with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the Border Security Force (BSF), and the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in Kosovo. Her outstanding work has been recognised with prestigious honours, including the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service.

Mishra’s leadership is expected to bring in a fresh vision for the RPF, with a focus on modernisation, digital adoption, and stronger community-oriented policing. She is likely to prioritise combating organised crimes, particularly human trafficking, and enhancing the safety of vulnerable passengers across the vast Indian Railways network.

Upon assuming office, Mishra expressed her gratitude for the trust placed in her and pledged to uphold the RPF’s values of vigilance, courage, and public service — principles enshrined in the force’s motto, “Yasho Labhasva” (Attain Honour).

With her at the helm, the RPF is poised to enter a new phase of proactive policing and public service excellence.

Team Maverick.