🚆 Indian Railway Organizational Structure 2026

Railway Board to Track Maintainer Complete Hierarchy

भारतीय रेलवे का संगठनात्मक ढांचा

Hindi & English | Railway Administration Guide

Railway Board → Zone → Division → Section → Station

Introduction | परिचय

भारतीय रेलवे (Indian Railways) दुनिया के सबसे बड़े और सबसे जटिल रेलवे नेटवर्क में से एक है। प्रतिदिन लाखों यात्री और विशाल मात्रा में माल परिवहन करने वाली यह संस्था एक सुव्यवस्थित Organizational Structure (संगठनात्मक संरचना) के आधार पर कार्य करती है। रेलवे का प्रत्येक विभाग, जोन (Zone), मंडल (Division) और कार्यालय अपनी-अपनी निर्धारित जिम्मेदारियों के साथ मिलकर पूरे रेलवे सिस्टम को सुचारु रूप से संचालित करते हैं।

यदि आप RRB, RRC, GDCE, LDCE, Railway Departmental Exams या अन्य रेलवे प्रतियोगी परीक्षाओं की तैयारी कर रहे हैं, तो Indian Railway Organizational Structure को समझना बेहद महत्वपूर्ण है। इस विषय से संबंधित प्रश्न अक्सर विभिन्न रेलवे परीक्षाओं में पूछे जाते हैं।

In this article, we will explain the complete Indian Railway Organizational Structure in a simple and exam-oriented manner. You will learn about the hierarchy from the Ministry of Railways to the Railway Board, Zonal Railways, Divisions, and field-level offices. Along with that, we will also discuss the roles and responsibilities of key railway authorities, making this guide useful for both competitive exam aspirants and railway enthusiasts.

इस लेख में आपको Indian Railway Organizational Structure का पूरा ढांचा सरल भाषा, स्पष्ट चार्ट और परीक्षा-उपयोगी जानकारी के साथ समझाया जाएगा, ताकि आप इस महत्वपूर्ण विषय को आसानी से याद रख सके।

Indian Railway Organisation Structure showing Railway Board, Zonal Railways, Divisions and departmental hierarchy

Indian Railway Organizational Overview

Particular	Details
Administrative Ministry	Ministry of Railways
Highest Executive Body	Railway Board
Total Railway Zones	18
Total Divisions	73
Head of Zone	General Manager (GM)
Head of Division	Divisional Railway Manager (DRM)

Ministry of Railways | रेल मंत्रालय

रेल मंत्रालय (Ministry of Railways) भारत सरकार (Government of India) का एक महत्वपूर्ण मंत्रालय है, जो पूरे Indian Railways के प्रशासन, नीति निर्माण (Policy Making), योजना (Planning), बजट, आधुनिकीकरण (Modernization), सुरक्षा (Safety) और समग्र विकास (Overall Development) के लिए जिम्मेदार है। यह मंत्रालय सुनिश्चित करता है कि भारतीय रेलवे देशभर में सुरक्षित, कुशल (Efficient), समयबद्ध (Punctual) और विश्वसनीय (Reliable) रेल सेवाएँ प्रदान करे।

The Ministry of Railways is the apex governing authority responsible for managing and developing the Indian Railways. It formulates railway policies, approves major infrastructure projects, oversees railway finances, promotes technological advancements, enhances passenger amenities, and ensures safe and efficient railway operations across the country.

रेल मंत्रालय का नेतृत्व रेल मंत्री (Minister of Railways) करते हैं, जिन्हें राज्य मंत्री (Minister of State for Railways) सहायता प्रदान करते हैं। मंत्रालय के प्रशासनिक और तकनीकी कार्यों का संचालन मुख्य रूप से Railway Board के माध्यम से किया जाता है। Railway Board, Ministry of Railways की कार्यकारी (Executive) एवं प्रशासनिक संस्था है, जो रेलवे के विभिन्न विभागों, जोनल रेलवे (Zonal Railways), उत्पादन इकाइयों (Production Units) तथा अन्य संगठनों के कार्यों का समन्वय (Coordination) करती है।

Key Responsibilities of Ministry of Railways

Formulates policies for Indian Railways.
Plans and develops new railway lines, stations and infrastructure.
Manages railway budget, finance and resource allocation.
Oversees railway safety, security and operational efficiency.
Supervises all Zonal Railways, Divisions and Railway Production Units through the Railway Board.
Promotes modernization, digital transformation and advanced railway technologies.
Improves passenger facilities and freight transportation services.
Coordinates with other Ministries and State Governments for railway expansion projects.

Railway Board | रेलवे बोर्ड

रेलवे बोर्ड (Railway Board) भारतीय रेलवे (Indian Railways) की सर्वोच्च Executive (कार्यकारी) एवं Administrative (प्रशासनिक) संस्था है, जो Ministry of Railways (रेल मंत्रालय) के अंतर्गत कार्य करती है। यह भारतीय रेलवे के संचालन (Operations), नीति-निर्माण (Policy Formulation), प्रशासन (Administration), वित्त (Finance), सुरक्षा (Safety), मानव संसाधन (Human Resources), आधारभूत संरचना (Infrastructure) तथा तकनीकी विकास (Technology Development) से संबंधित सभी प्रमुख निर्णयों का समन्वय और क्रियान्वयन सुनिश्चित करती है।

The Railway Board is the highest executive and administrative body of Indian Railways, functioning under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India. It is responsible for formulating railway policies, managing day-to-day administration, supervising railway operations, planning infrastructure projects, allocating financial resources, ensuring passenger safety, and coordinating the functioning of all Zonal Railways, Production Units, and other railway organizations across India.

Railway Board भारतीय रेलवे के सभी Zonal Railways, Divisions, Production Units, Training Institutes, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) तथा अन्य रेलवे संगठनों के कार्यों का मार्गदर्शन (Guidance), समन्वय (Coordination) और निगरानी (Supervision) करता है। यह सुनिश्चित करता है कि पूरे देश में रेलवे सेवाएँ सुरक्षित, कुशल (Efficient), आधुनिक (Modern), समयबद्ध (Punctual) और यात्री-केंद्रित (Passenger-Centric) बनी रहें।

Major Functions of Railway Board (रेलवे बोर्ड के प्रमुख कार्य)

Formulates policies for the administration and development of Indian Railways.
Supervises all Zonal Railways, Railway Divisions, Production Units and other railway organizations.
Plans and approves new railway lines, station redevelopment and infrastructure expansion projects.
Manages railway budget, financial planning and resource allocation.
Ensures railway safety, security and operational efficiency.
Frames recruitment, promotion, training and human resource policies for railway employees.
Promotes modernization, electrification, digital transformation and adoption of advanced railway technologies.
Monitors passenger amenities, freight transportation and overall service quality.
Coordinates with the Ministry of Railways, State Governments and other Central Government Ministries for railway development projects.

Top Railway Board Officials

Position	Role
Chairman & CEO	Head of Railway Board
Board Members	Policy & Departmental Management
Director General	Specialized Administrative Functions

Zonal Railways | रेलवे जोन

रेलवे जोन (Railway Zones) भारतीय रेलवे (Indian Railways) की प्रमुख प्रशासनिक इकाइयाँ (Major Administrative Units) हैं, जिन्हें विशाल रेलवे नेटवर्क का प्रभावी, सुरक्षित और सुचारु संचालन सुनिश्चित करने के लिए स्थापित किया गया है। प्रत्येक जोन एक निश्चित भौगोलिक क्षेत्र (Geographical Region) की रेलवे सेवाओं का प्रबंधन करता है तथा उसके अंतर्गत कई Railway Divisions (रेलवे मंडल) कार्य करते हैं।

The Railway Zones are the major administrative units of Indian Railways, created to ensure efficient management and smooth operation of one of the world's largest railway networks. Each Railway Zone is responsible for managing railway operations, passenger services, freight transportation, infrastructure maintenance, safety, and development within its assigned geographical region.

प्रत्येक रेलवे जोन का नेतृत्व General Manager (GM) करते हैं, जो अपने जोन के प्रशासन, परिचालन (Operations), वित्त (Finance), इंजीनियरिंग (Engineering), सुरक्षा (Safety), मानव संसाधन (Human Resources) तथा विभिन्न विभागों के कार्यों की निगरानी करते हैं। सभी रेलवे जोन Railway Board के प्रशासनिक नियंत्रण में कार्य करते हैं और रेलवे नीतियों एवं निर्देशों का पालन करते हैं।

हर रेलवे जोन के अंतर्गत कई Divisional Railway Offices (Railway Divisions) होते हैं, जिनका नेतृत्व Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) करते हैं। ये मंडल स्टेशन संचालन, ट्रेन परिचालन, ट्रैक रखरखाव, यात्री सुविधाओं और स्थानीय प्रशासन की जिम्मेदारी निभाते हैं।

At present, Indian Railways consists of 18 Railway Zones, each having its own headquarters and administrative setup. These zones work together to provide safe, reliable, efficient, and passenger-friendly railway services across the country.

Major Responsibilities of Railway Zones

Manage passenger and freight train operations.
Maintain railway tracks, bridges, stations, and other infrastructure.
Ensure railway safety, security, and punctual train services.
Supervise all Railway Divisions under the Zone.
Implement policies and guidelines issued by the Railway Board.
Improve passenger amenities and customer services.
Execute new railway projects, electrification, modernization, and capacity enhancement.
Coordinate with State Governments and local authorities for railway development.

Important Facts

18 Railway Zones
73 Railway Divisions
Each Zone is headed by a General Manager (GM)
Each Zone supervises multiple divisions

General Manager (GM)

General Manager (GM) अर्थात् जनरल मैनेजर किसी भी Railway Zone (रेलवे जोन) के सर्वोच्च प्रशासनिक एवं कार्यकारी अधिकारी (Highest Administrative and Executive Officer) होते हैं। प्रत्येक रेलवे जोन का नेतृत्व एक General Manager द्वारा किया जाता है, जो अपने जोन के समग्र प्रशासन, ट्रेन परिचालन (Operations), सुरक्षा (Safety), आधारभूत संरचना (Infrastructure), वित्त (Finance), मानव संसाधन (Human Resources), परियोजनाओं (Projects) तथा यात्री सेवाओं (Passenger Services) की निगरानी और संचालन के लिए उत्तरदायी होते हैं।

The General Manager (GM) is the highest administrative and executive authority of a Railway Zone in Indian Railways. Every Zonal Railway is headed by a General Manager who is responsible for planning, coordinating, supervising, and ensuring the efficient functioning of all departments within the zone. The GM plays a vital role in implementing the policies and directives issued by the Railway Board.

General Manager अपने जोन के अंतर्गत आने वाले सभी Railway Divisions, Production Units (where applicable), रेलवे स्टेशनों तथा विभिन्न विभागों के कार्यों की निगरानी करते हैं। वे यह सुनिश्चित करते हैं कि रेलवे सेवाएँ सुरक्षित, समयबद्ध, कुशल और यात्री-केंद्रित रहें। प्रत्येक जोन के Divisional Railway Managers (DRMs) और विभागाध्यक्ष (Principal Heads of Departments) प्रशासनिक रूप से General Manager को रिपोर्ट करते हैं।

Major Responsibilities of the General Manager (GM)

Heads the overall administration of a Railway Zone.
Implements policies, rules, and directives issued by the Railway Board.
Supervises all Railway Divisions, departmental heads, and field units under the Zone.
Ensures safe, efficient, and punctual train operations.
Monitors railway infrastructure, maintenance, electrification, and modernization projects.
Oversees financial management, budget utilization, and resource allocation.
Reviews passenger amenities, freight services, and operational performance.
Promotes employee welfare, training, discipline, and human resource development.
Coordinates with State Governments and other agencies for railway development projects.
Reviews disaster management, emergency preparedness, and railway safety measures.

Railway Divisions | रेलवे मंडल

रेलवे मंडल (Railway Division) भारतीय रेलवे (Indian Railways) की एक महत्वपूर्ण प्रशासनिक इकाई (Administrative Unit) है, जो किसी Railway Zone (रेलवे जोन) के अंतर्गत कार्य करती है। प्रत्येक रेलवे जोन को बेहतर प्रशासन, कुशल संचालन (Efficient Operations), सुरक्षित रेल सेवाओं (Safe Railway Services) तथा प्रभावी प्रबंधन (Effective Management) के लिए कई रेलवे मंडलों (Divisions) में विभाजित किया जाता है।

The Railway Division is one of the most important operational and administrative units of Indian Railways. Every Railway Zone is divided into multiple divisions to ensure efficient train operations, better administration, infrastructure maintenance, passenger services, and freight management across different regions.

प्रत्येक रेलवे मंडल का नेतृत्व Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) करते हैं, जो अपने मंडल के अंतर्गत आने वाले सभी रेलवे स्टेशनों, रेल मार्गों (Rail Routes), लोको शेड (Loco Sheds), कोचिंग डिपो (Coaching Depots), माल ढुलाई सेवाओं (Freight Services), रखरखाव कार्यों (Maintenance Activities) तथा विभिन्न विभागों के प्रशासन की निगरानी करते हैं।

A Railway Division acts as the field-level administrative unit where railway policies and instructions issued by the Railway Board and implemented through the Zonal Railway are executed. It plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day functioning of railway operations.

Major Responsibilities of a Railway Division

Manage day-to-day train operations within the division.
Ensure passenger safety, punctuality, and reliable railway services.
Maintain railway tracks, stations, bridges, signaling systems, and other infrastructure.
Supervise freight transportation and commercial activities.
Implement policies and guidelines issued by the Railway Board through the Zonal Railway.
Monitor engineering, mechanical, electrical, signal & telecom, operating, commercial, personnel, accounts, and medical departments.
Improve passenger amenities, station cleanliness, and customer services.
Coordinate disaster management, emergency response, and accident relief operations.

Administrative Structure of a Railway Division

A Railway Division is headed by the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), who is supported by Additional Divisional Railway Managers (ADRMs) and senior officers from different departments. Each department is responsible for a specific area such as Operations, Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Commercial, Personnel, Accounts, Signal & Telecom, Safety, Medical, and Security. Together, these departments ensure the efficient functioning of the division.

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM)

Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) अर्थात् डिविजनल रेलवे मैनेजर भारतीय रेलवे (Indian Railways) के किसी Railway Division (रेलवे मंडल) के सर्वोच्च प्रशासनिक एवं कार्यकारी अधिकारी (Highest Administrative and Executive Officer) होते हैं। प्रत्येक रेलवे मंडल का नेतृत्व एक DRM द्वारा किया जाता है, जो अपने मंडल के अंतर्गत आने वाले रेलवे स्टेशनों, ट्रेनों के संचालन, रेलवे ट्रैक, यात्री सुविधाओं, माल परिवहन, सुरक्षा तथा विभिन्न विभागों के समन्वय और प्रशासन के लिए उत्तरदायी होते हैं।

The Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) is the highest administrative and executive authority of a Railway Division in Indian Railways. Every Railway Division is headed by a DRM, who is responsible for ensuring the smooth functioning of train operations, infrastructure maintenance, passenger services, freight management, employee administration, and the implementation of railway policies within the division.

भारतीय रेलवे की संगठनात्मक संरचना (Organizational Structure) में DRM एक अत्यंत महत्वपूर्ण पद है। वे General Manager (GM) के प्रशासनिक नियंत्रण में कार्य करते हैं और रेलवे बोर्ड (Railway Board) तथा संबंधित रेलवे जोन (Zonal Railway) द्वारा जारी नीतियों और निर्देशों को मंडल स्तर पर प्रभावी ढंग से लागू करते हैं। उनके नेतृत्व में मंडल के सभी विभाग—जैसे Operating, Engineering, Mechanical, Electrical, Commercial, Personnel, Accounts, Signal & Telecom, Safety, Medical, Security (RPF) आदि—आपसी समन्वय के साथ कार्य करते हैं।

Major Responsibilities of the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM)

Heads the overall administration of a Railway Division.
Ensures safe, efficient, and punctual train operations.
Supervises all railway stations, maintenance depots, workshops, and field units within the division.
Monitors railway tracks, bridges, signaling systems, electrification, and other infrastructure.
Implements policies and operational guidelines issued by the Railway Board through the Zonal Railway.
Oversees passenger amenities, station development, cleanliness, and customer services.
Reviews freight transportation, commercial performance, and revenue generation.
Coordinates disaster management, accident relief, emergency response, and railway safety measures.
Promotes employee welfare, discipline, training, and human resource development.
Coordinates with State Governments, district administrations, and other agencies for railway projects and operational requirements.

Administrative Structure under the DRM

The DRM is supported by one or more Additional Divisional Railway Managers (ADRMs) and senior officers from different departments. These officers manage their respective departments while working under the overall supervision and leadership of the DRM.

Major departments under a Railway Division include:

Operating Department
Engineering Department
Mechanical Department
Electrical Department
Commercial Department
Personnel Department
Accounts Department
Signal & Telecommunication Department
Safety Department
Medical Department
Railway Protection Force (RPF)

Administrative Hierarchy of a Division

General Manager (GM)
⬇
Divisional Railway Manager (DRM)
⬇
Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM)
⬇
Senior Divisional Officers
⬇
Divisional Officers
⬇
Assistant Officers
⬇
SSE
⬇
JE
⬇
Staff

Major Departments in Indian Railways

Department	Main Responsibility
Engineering	Track, Bridges & Civil Infrastructure
Electrical	Power Supply & Electrical Systems
Mechanical	Coaches, Wagons & Locomotives
Signal & Telecommunication	Signalling & Communication Systems
Operating	Train Operations
Commercial	Passenger & Freight Revenue
Personnel	Human Resource Management
Accounts	Finance & Accounting

Engineering Department Hierarchy

English:
The Engineering Department is responsible for tracks, bridges, buildings and railway infrastructure maintenance.

हिंदी:
इंजीनियरिंग विभाग रेलवे ट्रैक, पुल, भवन एवं अन्य अवसंरचनाओं के रखरखाव के लिए जिम्मेदार होता है।

Railway Administrative Structure

Ministry of Railways
⬇
Railway Board
⬇
General Manager (GM)
⬇
Divisional Railway Manager (DRM)
⬇
Senior Divisional Officers
⬇
Assistant Officers
⬇
SSE
⬇
JE
⬇
Technician / Track Maintainer

Electrical Department Hierarchy

English:
The Electrical Department manages power supply, OHE, electrical assets and energy systems.

हिंदी:
इलेक्ट्रिकल विभाग विद्युत आपूर्ति, OHE, विद्युत परिसंपत्तियों एवं ऊर्जा प्रबंधन का कार्य संभालता है।

Chief Electrical Engineer (CEE)
⬇
Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer (Sr.DEE)
⬇
Divisional Electrical Engineer (DEE)
⬇
Assistant Electrical Engineer (AEE)
⬇
Senior Section Engineer (SSE)
⬇
Junior Engineer (JE)
⬇
Technician

Mechanical Department Hierarchy

Chief Mechanical Engineer (CME)
⬇
Senior Divisional Mechanical Engineer (Sr.DME)
⬇
Divisional Mechanical Engineer (DME)
⬇
Assistant Mechanical Engineer (AME)
⬇
Senior Section Engineer (SSE)
⬇
Junior Engineer (JE)
⬇
Technician

Signal & Telecommunication Department Hierarchy

Chief Signal & Telecom Engineer (CSTE)
⬇
Senior Divisional Signal Engineer (Sr.DSTE)
⬇
Divisional Signal Engineer (DSTE)
⬇
Assistant Signal Engineer (ASTE)
⬇
Senior Section Engineer (SSE)
⬇
Junior Engineer (JE)
⬇
Signal Maintainer

Operating Department | परिचालन विभाग

English:
The Operating Department is responsible for the safe and efficient movement of passenger and freight trains across the railway network.

हिंदी:
परिचालन (Operating) विभाग पूरे रेलवे नेटवर्क में यात्री एवं मालगाड़ियों के सुरक्षित और सुचारू संचालन के लिए जिम्मेदार होता है।

Major Posts in Operating Department

Chief Operations Manager (COM)
Senior Divisional Operations Manager (Sr.DOM)
Divisional Operations Manager (DOM)
Chief Controller
Station Master (SM)
Goods Train Manager (GTM)

Commercial Department | वाणिज्य विभाग

English:
The Commercial Department manages passenger services, ticketing, freight business and railway revenue generation.

हिंदी:
वाणिज्य विभाग यात्री सेवाओं, टिकटिंग, माल परिवहन व्यवसाय तथा रेलवे राजस्व प्रबंधन का कार्य करता है।

Major Posts

Chief Commercial Manager (CCM)
Senior Divisional Commercial Manager (Sr.DCM)
Divisional Commercial Manager (DCM)
Commercial Inspector
Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor
Booking Clerk
Ticket Checking Staff

Railway Station Administrative Structure

Station Level Hierarchy

DRM
⬇
Station Director / Station Superintendent
⬇
Station Master
⬇
Commercial Staff
⬇
Operating Staff
⬇
Technical Staff

Railway Protection Force (RPF)

English:
Railway Protection Force is responsible for security of railway property, passengers and railway installations.

हिंदी:
रेलवे सुरक्षा बल (RPF) रेलवे संपत्ति, यात्रियों एवं रेलवे प्रतिष्ठानों की सुरक्षा के लिए जिम्मेदार है।

RPF Hierarchy

Director General (DG)
⬇
Inspector General (IG)
⬇
Deputy Inspector General (DIG)
⬇
Senior Divisional Security Commissioner (Sr.DSC)
⬇
Assistant Security Commissioner (ASC)
⬇
Inspector
⬇
Sub Inspector (SI)
⬇
Head Constable
⬇
Constable

Personnel Department | कार्मिक विभाग

English:
The Personnel Department manages recruitment, promotions, transfers, service records and employee welfare.

हिंदी:
कार्मिक विभाग भर्ती, पदोन्नति, स्थानांतरण, सेवा अभिलेख एवं कर्मचारी कल्याण संबंधी कार्यों का प्रबंधन करता है।

Accounts Department | लेखा विभाग

English:
The Accounts Department is responsible for budgeting, expenditure monitoring, salary processing and financial management.

हिंदी:
लेखा विभाग बजट, व्यय नियंत्रण, वेतन भुगतान एवं वित्तीय प्रबंधन का कार्य संभालता है।

Railway GK Facts

✅ Indian Railways operates through 18 Railway Zones.

✅ Indian Railways has 73 Divisions.

✅ Railway Board is the highest executive authority of Indian Railways.

✅ General Manager (GM) heads a Railway Zone.

✅ Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) heads a Railway Division.

✅ JE works below SSE and above Technicians/Track Maintainers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. Who is the highest authority in Indian Railways?

Answer: Railway Board functions as the highest executive authority under the Ministry of Railways.

Q2. Who heads a Railway Zone?

Answer: A General Manager (GM) heads a Railway Zone.

Q3. Who heads a Railway Division?

Answer: A Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) heads a Railway Division.

Q4. What is the role of JE in Railway hierarchy?

Answer: JE is a technical supervisory post positioned below SSE and above technicians.

Q5. What is the role of Station Master?

Answer: Station Master manages train operations and station administration.

Difference Between LDCE and GDCE
Difference Between RRB and RRC
Railway JE Salary 2026
JE vs SSE Complete Comparison
Railway Zones and Divisions List
Technical vs Non-Technical Railway Posts

Conclusion | निष्कर्ष

English:
The organizational structure of Indian Railways is designed to ensure efficient administration, safe train operations and proper management of one of the world's largest railway networks.

हिंदी:
भारतीय रेलवे का संगठनात्मक ढांचा प्रभावी प्रशासन, सुरक्षित रेल संचालन एवं विश्व के सबसे बड़े रेलवे नेटवर्क में से एक के सफल प्रबंधन को सुनिश्चित करता है।

🙏 धन्यवाद

यदि यह लेख आपके लिए उपयोगी रहा हो, तो इसे अपने रेलवे मित्रों के साथ साझा करें।

Rail Pathshala – Learn • Prepare • Succeed