Indian Railways faces talent challenges under new IRMS regime

05 Sep 2024 CW Team

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.

Infrastructure Energy

17 Dec 2025

Vedanta Aluminium Uses 1.57 bn Units of Green Energy in FY25

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest aluminium producer, recently reported consumption of 1.57 billion units of renewable energy in FY25, marking a significant milestone in its 2030 decarbonisation roadmap. The company also achieved an 8.96 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity compared to FY21, reinforcing its leadership in India’s low-carbon manufacturing transition. During FY25, Vedanta Aluminium expanded its renewable energy portfolio through long-term power purchase agreements, strengthening its strategy to source nearly 1,500 MW of renewable power over the lon..

Oberoi Group to Develop Luxury Resort at Makaibari Tea Estate

EIH Limited, the flagship company of The Oberoi Group, has announced the signing of a management agreement to develop an Oberoi luxury resort at the iconic Makaibari Tea Estate in Darjeeling. The project marks a key milestone in the Group’s long-term strategy of creating distinctive hospitality experiences in rare and environmentally significant locations. Established in 1859, Makaibari is one of the world’s oldest tea estates and is globally recognised for its Himalayan landscape, primary forests and exceptional biodiversity. Spread across 1,236 acres, the estate houses one of the world�..

GHV Infra Secures Rs 1.09 Bn EPC Order in Jamshedpur

GHV Infra Projects Ltd, a fast-growing EPC company in India’s infrastructure and construction sector, has recently secured a Rs 1.09 billion work order in Jamshedpur, Jharkhand. Awarded by a reputed group entity, the contract covers end-to-end civil construction, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) systems, along with high-quality finishing works for a large building development. The project will be executed over a 30-month period, with defined benchmarks for quality, safety and timely delivery. The order strengthens GHV Infra’s footprint in Jamshedpur, a key industrial hub known fo..