Archive · 8 Jan 2026
Railway Board's 22,000 Recruitment Plan Criticized
The Railway Board in India has approved filling 22,000 important jobs that help keep trains safe.
However, the All India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF) says this number is too low compared to the actual number of jobs needed.
They worry that this will make the current workers overworked and could make train travel less safe.
The AIRF also says the Railway Board didn't count all the jobs needed in the workshops where trains are fixed and maintained.
They want the Railway Board to check the numbers again and fill more jobs to keep everything running smoothly and safely.
The Railway Board approved filling 22,000 critical entry-level posts for safety operations.
The All India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF) claims the number is lower than actual vacancies.
Critical roles include pointsman, assistant track maintainer, and assistant loco shed staff.
AIRF expresses concern over the omission of workshop vacancies in the assessment.
AIRF urges the Railway Board to revise and notify the actual number of vacancies.
- Who
- Railway Board, All India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF), Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
- What
- Approval of 22,000 critical entry-level posts, concerns over staff shortages
- When
- Vacancy assessment in 2025, recruitment notification in 2026, letter dated January 6, 2025
- Where
- Various railway zones in India
- Why
- To fill critical safety operations posts, concerns over understated vacancy figures and impact on safety and efficiency
- Number of Posts Approved
- 22,000
- Critical Roles
- Pointsman, Assistant Track Maintainer, Assistant Loco Shed Staff
- Year of Vacancy Assessment
- 2025
- Year of Recruitment Notification
- 2026
- Organization Raising Concerns
- All India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF)
- Railway Minister
- Ashwini Vaishnaw
- Date of Letter
- January 6, 2025
- Publication Date
- January 8, 2026