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.
