In a historic move, the Modi government on Friday (July 11, 2025) appointed senior IPS officer Sonali Mishra (IPS:1993:MP) as the new Director General of the Railway Protection Force (RPF), Railway Board. With this appointment, she becomes the first woman ever to lead the RPF, breaking a long-standing gender barrier in one of India’s critical central armed police forces.
Mishra will take over from incumbent DG Manoj Yadava (IPS:1988:HY), who is set to retire on July 31, 2025. She will serve as DG till her superannuation on October 31, 2026.
According to an order issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet has approved her appointment at Level 16 of the pay matrix, effective from the date she assumes charge or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
Sonali Mishra is currently serving as Special Director General in the Madhya Pradesh Police. With a career spanning more than three decades, she has held significant leadership roles in both state and central forces, including a notable stint as Additional Director General in the Border Security Force (BSF).
Manoj Yadava has been heading the RPF since August 1, 2023, following the retirement of Sanjay Chander (IPS:1987:WB).
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