RPF recruitment to be held annually by SSC: Union Minister

New Delhi, Oct 13, 2025 : Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that recruitment for the Railway Protection Force (RPF) will now be conducted annually by the Staff Selection Commission (SSC). The Minister also unveiled several initiatives aimed at upgrading the force with modern technology. Addressing the 41st Raising Day of the RPF at Valsad in Gujarat, the Minister said that RPF personnel will soon be equipped with VHF sets and will receive advanced digital and drone training to enhance their operational capabilities.

Reiterating the Railways’ commitment to the welfare of lower-income groups, the Minister announced that the Indian Railways will operate 12,000 special trains during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festivals to meet the surge in passenger demand. Highlighting the transformational progress of Indian Railways over the past 11 years, Mr Vaishnaw noted that 35,000 kilometres of new railway tracks have been constructed, and 99 percent of railway electrification has been completed. He added that the government’s station redevelopment program is also progressing rapidly, with over 7,300 stations planned for redevelopment, of which 110 have already been completed. The Minister, on the occasion, inspected the RPF parade and presented awards to 40 personnel for their outstanding service. Mr Vaishnav, who is on a one-day visit to Gujarat, will later visit Bilimora High Speed Railway Station in Valsad.