In a landmark move, Senior IPS officer Sonali Mishra has been appointed as the first woman Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). The 1993-batch IPS officer of the Madhya Pradesh cadre will take charge from the incumbent Manoj Yadava, who is set to retire on July 31. The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved her appointment until her superannuation on October 31, 2026.

This appointment is not just another feather in Mishra’s illustrious cap but also a historic moment for the RPF, a force responsible for safeguarding railway property and ensuring passenger security across India’s extensive railway network.

Trailblazer in Uniform

Sonali Mishra is no stranger to breaking barriers. In July 2021, she became the first woman commander to lead the Border Security Force (BSF) formation along the volatile India-Pakistan border in Punjab. She has served in some of the most challenging and high-risk assignments, including as Inspector General of the BSF formation in Kashmir and as the head of the BSF’s intelligence wing.

Mishra’s distinguished service has earned her some of the highest police honors, including the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPMDS) and the Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PMMS). 

Her elevation to DG of the RPF reinforces her reputation as a leader with courage, vision, and resilience. She currently serves as the Additional Director General (Selection) with the Madhya Pradesh Police.

RPF: A Force with a Legacy

The Railway Protection Force, constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1957, has evolved into one of India’s critical security organizations. Tasked with protecting railway property and passengers, the force was granted the status of an “armed force of the Union” in 1985.

Mishra’s appointment to the top post is a step towards making the RPF more inclusive and diverse, reflecting a broader shift in India’s security forces, where women officers are now being recognized for their leadership and operational excellence.

A Symbol of Women’s Empowerment

Mishra’s journey is an inspiring narrative of grit and determination. For decades, security forces were seen as male bastions, but trailblazers like her are rewriting the narrative. Her leadership in challenging terrains such as Punjab and Kashmir has demonstrated that capability knows no gender.

As she assumes charge of the RPF, she not only carries the responsibility of securing one of the world’s largest railway networks but also the hopes of countless young women who aspire to don the uniform and lead from the front