New Delhi (27.01.2026): A significant reshuffle is on the cards at Rail Bhawan as the Ministry of Railways looks to fill the critical post of Director General (Human Resources), Member (Infrastructure) and Member (Finance). The said post assumes significance as DG (HR) will be responsible for navigating the 8th Pay Commission's impending recommendations and the ongoing integration of various legacy cadres into the unified IRMS.
A "Women-only" Contest:
The race for the DG (HR) position is notably a "women-only" contest among top-tier IRPS officers. Key sources indicate that three senior women IRPS officers are being considered, with Anuna Nayar (IRPS: 1987) leading the pack. While the other names remain under wraps, the selection is expected to favor officers with extensive experience in industrial relations and staff welfare, critical for managing the Railways’ 1.2 million-strong workforce.
Aruna Nayar, The Frontrunner:
If key sources are to be believed, Aruna Nayar, the current Secretary of the Railway Board, has emerged as the leading contender for the role. A trailblazer in the service, she is the first IRPS officer to be empaneled in the Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) at Level-16—the highest pay grade for civil servants in the railways in a particular rank.
While Nayar has been managing the DG (HR) portfolio as an additional charge, her potential permanent shift to the position would leave the high-profile post of Secretary, Railway Board, vacant—triggering a fresh round of bureaucratic maneuvering for one of the most influential administrative roles in the Railway Board.
Nayar’s appointment as Secretary on January 6, 2024, was seen as a landmark for personnel service officers. Her career highlights include Additional Member (Staff) and Principal Executive Director (Staff).
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