How To Become Divisional Railway Manager in Indian Railway? Work Profile, Salary, Benefits and Promotion

In India, the railway has a very large network, which is controlled by the Ministry of Railways of the Government of India. There is a position in this ministry called the DRM, which stands for Divisional Railway Manager or Mandal Rail Manager. The ministry has divided it into several zones for the operation of Indian Railways. These zones are further divided into several divisions. Each division has its own headquarters. Currently, there are 18 zones and 70 divisions in the Indian Railways. The appointment of DRM is made in these 70 divisions. If you are interested in becoming a DRM in Railways then read the full article to know how you can become a DRM in Indian Railways in detail.

DRM Full Form in Railway

In railways, "DRM" stands for Divisional Railway Manager. A DRM is responsible for managing a railway division, overseeing operations, maintenance, and administrative functions. This role is crucial in ensuring the efficiency and safety of train operations within the assigned geographical area of the division.

What is Railway DRM Work and How Does it Impact Train Operations?

A Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) is a senior-level officer in the Indian Railways who is responsible for the overall management of a railway division. The DRM is the head of the divisional administrative unit and is accountable for the smooth functioning of all operations in the division.

The work of a DRM includes:

• Ensuring safety and security: DRM is responsible for ensuring that all the safety and security standards are maintained in the division. This includes ensuring that all the staff members are trained in safety procedures, all the equipment is in good condition, and safety measures are in place.
• Managing train operations: DRM is responsible for managing train operations in the division. This includes planning the train schedules, ensuring the timely departure and arrival of trains, and managing the train movements.
• Managing infrastructure: DRM is responsible for managing the infrastructure of the division. This includes ensuring that the tracks, stations, and other facilities are maintained in good condition.
• Managing staff: DRM is responsible for managing the staff of the division. This includes recruitment, training, and performance management.
• Ensuring customer satisfaction: DRM is responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction. This includes ensuring that the passengers are provided with all the necessary facilities and services during their journey.

The work of a DRM has a significant impact on train operations. The DRM's decisions and actions directly impact the safety, punctuality, and efficiency of train operations in the division. A well-managed division with an efficient DRM can ensure smooth train operations and provide a better travel experience to the passengers. On the other hand, poor management by the DRM can result in delays, safety issues, and other operational problems.

Divisional Railway Manager Qualification: Eligibility Requirements

Many people are interested in becoming DRM. However, becoming DRM is quite difficult because it requires spending many years in service. There are also certain qualifications required to become DRM. Let's find out what qualifications are required for DRM:

• Only officers of any one of the 8 organized Group A services of the Indian Railways can become DRM.
• The candidate must be less than 52 years of age to be eligible for the post of DRM.
• The candidate must have served in Group A services of the Indian Railways for 22 to 25 years to become DRM.

How To Become DRM in Railway? 

It is important to understand what qualifications are required to become a DRM. Let's now learn about the process of how you can become a DRM in Indian Railway.

• Candidate must complete graduation from a recognized institution to become a DRM.
• After graduation, the candidate must appear for either the Indian Engineering Service Exam or the Civil Service Exam.
• Candidate can choose one of the Group A services of the Indian Railways after clearing the exam, such as IRSE, IRSME, IRSSE, IRSEE, IRSS, IRTS, IRAS, and IRPS.
• The candidate will be promoted as an Assistant Engineer or Assistant Personnel Officer as a Probationary Junior Scale Officer after two years of training.
• The candidate must work in this position for 2 years before being promoted as a Senior Scale Officer.
• After 3 years, the candidate will be appointed as a Junior Administrative Grade Officer.
• It will take 7 years for the candidate to become a JA Grade Officer after passing the All India Exam.
• The candidate must wait for 10 to 15 years to become a Senior Administrative Grade Officer.
• After working as an Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM) for 4 to 5 years, the candidate will be eligible to become a Divisional Railway Manager.
• The candidate will be appointed as a Divisional Railway Manager based on their annual performance report and abilities.
• To become a DRM, it will take at least 25 years, which requires a lot of patience and hard work.

Railway DRM Salary: Complete Breakdown

A Railway Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) salary is a comprehensive package composed of various allowances and deductions structured around the central government pay scale. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Basic Pay:

The basic pay of a DRM depends on the Pay Band 4 scale, which ranges from INR 37,400 to INR 67,000. Most DRMs are positioned at the lower end of this band upon appointment.

2. Grade Pay:

DRMs receive a grade pay, which can be around INR 10,000. This is added directly to the basic pay to form part of the gross income.

3. Dearness Allowance (DA):

This is a cost of living adjustment allowance paid to government employees. It is a percentage of the basic pay, adjusted periodically. As of recent updates, DA is set at 28% of the basic pay.

4. House Rent Allowance (HRA):

Depending on the city classification (X, Y, Z), HRA can be 24%, 16%, or 8% of the basic pay. For metros or Class X cities, it is higher to compensate for the higher living costs.

5. Transport Allowance (TA):

Transport Allowance is given to cover the travel expenses between home and work. DRMs usually receive around INR 3,600 per month plus DA on TA.

6. Special Railway Allowance:

This is unique to railway employees, designed to acknowledge the additional responsibilities and irregular hours of railway operations. The amount can vary significantly.

7. Hard Duty Allowance:

Certain positions within the railways are eligible for a Hard Duty Allowance, depending on the nature and location of the duty.

8. Deductions:

Provident Fund (PF): A mandatory deduction, which is a percentage of the basic pay + DA, generally around 12%.
Professional Tax: This varies by state but is usually a small deduction.
Income Tax: Calculated based on the overall taxable income and applicable tax slabs.

Railway DRM Salary Per Month

A Railway Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) in India earns a monthly gross salary ranging from INR 70,000 to over INR 100,000. This includes a basic pay of INR 37,400 to INR 67,000, grade pay, dearness allowance, house rent, transport allowances, and other specific benefits, before deductions like PF and taxes.

Railway DRM Salary Slip

A Railway DRM (Divisional Railway Manager) salary slip includes various components. The basic components are Basic Pay, Grade Pay, and Dearness Allowance (DA). Additional elements can include House Rent Allowance (HRA), Travel Allowance (TA), and other specific allowances depending on the job's location and nature. Deductions typically involve Provident Fund (PF), Professional Tax, and Income Tax. These components collectively determine the net salary of a DRM.

What is the Power of DRM in Railway?

The DRM (Divisional Railway Manager) is the head of the railway division, which is responsible for the administration and management of a specific geographical area of the Indian Railways. The DRM has the power to make decisions related to the functioning of the division, such as planning and executing operations, maintenance of railway infrastructure, and ensuring passenger safety. The DRM also has the authority to take disciplinary action against employees and impose fines for violations of railway rules and regulations.

How Many DRMs Are in Indian Railway?

As of 2023, there are 70 railway divisions in the Indian Railways, and each division is headed by a DRM. Therefore, there are 70 DRMs in the Indian Railways.

What is the Tenure of DRM in Railway?

The tenure of DRM in railways is generally three years, subject to extension for a maximum of five years based on performance and other factors.

How Long Does It Take to Become a DRM?

To become a DRM in Indian Railways, one needs to have a minimum of 20 years of service and should have held key positions like Divisional Operating Manager, Chief Yard Master, or Chief Freight Transportation Manager, etc. The selection is made through the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) based on seniority and merit. Therefore, it can take around 20 to 25 years of service to become eligible for the position of DRM in Indian Railways.