Indian Railways struggles to attract talent under IRMS
RAILWAYS & METRO RAIL

Indian Railways struggles to attract talent under IRMS

It was reported that the Indian Railways is encountering difficulties in recruiting adequate technical personnel under the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), which was approved by the government in 2019. Despite efforts to merge multiple railway services into IRMS, the railways have not yet seen a substantial influx of new officers under this system, as the first batch of recruits is still in the training phase.

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, around 40 reported for training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. The remaining candidates opted for extraordinary leave (EOL), which officials mentioned is a common practice as candidates prepare for other exams without receiving a salary. Those who reported for training are currently completing their final phase at a railway institute in Lucknow.

The second round of recruitment in 2023 also saw a lukewarm response. While the railways again requested 150 personnel, only 84 candidates were selected, further worsening the manpower shortage across various railway zones.

To mitigate this shortage, the Railways have started re-engaging retired junior officers as consultants on an "exigency basis" until December 2026. A recent letter from the Railway Board indicated that these consultants would assist in managing challenges due to vacant posts and ensure the continuity of operations and services. Their responsibilities will include inspections, supervision, and drawing, and they will be relieved once new recruits from UPSC or other departmental selections are in place.

There have also been reports of some IRMS recruits raising concerns with the Railway Board, particularly amid rumors that the national transporter might consider splitting the services into technical and non-technical branches. This uncertainty, coupled with the ongoing recruitment challenges, has contributed to the current staffing issues within the Indian Railways.

It was reported that the Indian Railways is encountering difficulties in recruiting adequate technical personnel under the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS), which was approved by the government in 2019. Despite efforts to merge multiple railway services into IRMS, the railways have not yet seen a substantial influx of new officers under this system, as the first batch of recruits is still in the training phase. 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, around 40 reported for training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) in Mussoorie. The remaining candidates opted for extraordinary leave (EOL), which officials mentioned is a common practice as candidates prepare for other exams without receiving a salary. Those who reported for training are currently completing their final phase at a railway institute in Lucknow. The second round of recruitment in 2023 also saw a lukewarm response. While the railways again requested 150 personnel, only 84 candidates were selected, further worsening the manpower shortage across various railway zones. To mitigate this shortage, the Railways have started re-engaging retired junior officers as consultants on an exigency basis until December 2026. A recent letter from the Railway Board indicated that these consultants would assist in managing challenges due to vacant posts and ensure the continuity of operations and services. Their responsibilities will include inspections, supervision, and drawing, and they will be relieved once new recruits from UPSC or other departmental selections are in place. There have also been reports of some IRMS recruits raising concerns with the Railway Board, particularly amid rumors that the national transporter might consider splitting the services into technical and non-technical branches. This uncertainty, coupled with the ongoing recruitment challenges, has contributed to the current staffing issues within the Indian Railways.

Next Story
Real Estate

Indian REITs Offer 6-7.5 per cent Yield, Surpassing Many Global Markets

Indian Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are delivering average yields of 6–7.5 per cent for unitholders, outperforming many mature markets, including the US, according to a report by Credai and Anarock.Credai, the apex body of Indian real estate developers, and property consultant Anarock released the report Indian REITs – A Gateway to Institutional Real Estate at an event in India.Currently, India has five listed REITs – Brookfield India Real Estate Trust, Embassy Office Parks REIT, Mindspace Business Parks REIT, Nexus Select Trust, and Knowledge Realty Trust. Nexus Select Trust pr..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Insolation Energy Wins 226 MW Solar Projects Under PM-KUSUM

Insolation Energy on Monday announced securing multiple solar projects totalling 226.45 MW, with an investment of Rs 7.5 billion, under the PM-KUSUM scheme. The orders were awarded to its wholly-owned subsidiary, Insolation Green Energy Pvt Ltd, by Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited for 20 sites and Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Limited for 115 sites, the company informed the exchanges.“The combined SPV solar power plants will total 226.45 MW under PM-KUSUM Component A, with the final levelised tariff at Rs 3.04 per unit for 16 sites, Rs 2.82 per unit for 5 sites, Rs 2.75 per unit for 53 sites, ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Numaligarh Refinery Awards EPC Contract for Rooftop Solar Projects

State-owned Numaligarh Refinery Ltd. (NRL) has awarded a Letter of Award to Solarium Green Energy Ltd. for the rate contract covering the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of grid-connected rooftop solar PV projects at various locations. The projects fall within the categories of 51–200 kW and 201–1000 kW. Notable projects include a 140 kW rooftop solar plant at NRL Assam, a 760 kW plant at NRL Assam, and a 280 kW plant at NRL West Bengal.The supply order covers ex-manufacturing works and the dispatch price for plant and equipment for the 140 kW, 760 kW, and 280 kW rooftop s..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?