Indian Railways faces talent challenges under new IRMS regime
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Indian Railways faces talent challenges under new IRMS regime

The Indian Railways is facing difficulties in recruiting sufficient technical manpower under the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), a scheme approved by the government in 2019. Although efforts have been made to integrate multiple railway services into IRMS, the influx of fresh officers under this regime remains low, as the first batch of recruits is still in training.

Dipak K Dash, the Indian Railways had requested the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit 150 personnel for IRMS in 2022. However, only 130 candidates were selected, and of those, approximately 40 reported for training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. The rest opted for extraordinary leave (EOL), a common practice allowing candidates to prepare for other exams without receiving a salary. Those who reported are now in the final phase of training at a railway institute in Lucknow.

The 2023 recruitment round also saw a weak response. Despite requesting 150 personnel again, only 84 candidates were selected, further worsening the manpower shortage in various railway zones.

To mitigate this shortage, the Railways have begun re-engaging retired junior officers as consultants on an "exigency basis" until December 2026. A letter from the Railway Board emphasized that these consultants would assist in addressing challenges caused by vacant posts and ensure uninterrupted operations and services. Their responsibilities will include inspections, supervision, and drawing, and they will be discharged once new recruits from UPSC or other departmental selections join.

There have also been reports of some IRMS recruits voicing concerns to the Railway Board, particularly due to rumours that the national transporter may consider splitting the services back into technical and non-technical branches. This uncertainty, along with the recruitment challenges, has added to the staffing difficulties within the Indian Railways.

The Indian Railways is facing difficulties in recruiting sufficient technical manpower under the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), a scheme approved by the government in 2019. Although efforts have been made to integrate multiple railway services into IRMS, the influx of fresh officers under this regime remains low, as the first batch of recruits is still in training. Dipak K Dash, the Indian Railways had requested the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit 150 personnel for IRMS in 2022. However, only 130 candidates were selected, and of those, approximately 40 reported for training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. The rest opted for extraordinary leave (EOL), a common practice allowing candidates to prepare for other exams without receiving a salary. Those who reported are now in the final phase of training at a railway institute in Lucknow. The 2023 recruitment round also saw a weak response. Despite requesting 150 personnel again, only 84 candidates were selected, further worsening the manpower shortage in various railway zones. To mitigate this shortage, the Railways have begun re-engaging retired junior officers as consultants on an exigency basis until December 2026. A letter from the Railway Board emphasized that these consultants would assist in addressing challenges caused by vacant posts and ensure uninterrupted operations and services. Their responsibilities will include inspections, supervision, and drawing, and they will be discharged once new recruits from UPSC or other departmental selections join. There have also been reports of some IRMS recruits voicing concerns to the Railway Board, particularly due to rumours that the national transporter may consider splitting the services back into technical and non-technical branches. This uncertainty, along with the recruitment challenges, has added to the staffing difficulties within the Indian Railways.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

New Expressway to Cut Pune-Bengaluru Travel Time by Half

The upcoming Pune-Bengaluru Expressway is expected to significantly improve connectivity and economic opportunities across Maharashtra and Karnataka. This 700-kilometre greenfield, access-controlled highway will cut the travel time between Pune and Bengaluru from 15 hours to just 7 hours, facilitating easier movement for both commuters and businesses. Starting from Bommanal in Karnataka’s Athani Taluk, the expressway will traverse important districts such as Belagavi, Bagalkot, and Jamakhandi. It will then enter Maharashtra at Kanjle, connect with the proposed Pune Ring Road, and pass throug..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Nagpur’s Koradi Naka to Get Y-Shaped Flyover for Safer, Smoother Traffic

To alleviate traffic congestion and enhance safety at Koradi Naka in Nagpur, a Y-shaped flyover is currently being constructed on National Highway 47. Demolition work has already commenced, with the main construction scheduled to start on June 20, 2025.The project, costing Rs 430.37 billion, involves building a 1,090-meter-long flyover that will connect Farsa, the Mahadula Railway Overbridge (ROB), and Bokhara Road, and will also feature an underpass. The existing structure will be repurposed into a service road to facilitate local traffic.Koradi Naka has been identified as a significant "blac..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Avinashi Flyover: Huge Iron Span to be Placed Over Railway Overbridge

A senior official from the Special Project Wing explained that a concrete deck of such length was not practical across active railway lines. Therefore, the department had decided to opt for a specially fabricated iron span.With the span now ready, its installation is awaiting railway clearance. The Salem Division of Southern Railway has already given its approval, while the final clearance is still pending from the Southern Railway headquarters in Chennai. For the installation process, railway operations under the ROB will need to be suspended for at least five days.The official also mentioned..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?