India's Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has revealed plans for recruiting up to 150,000 positions within the railway sector as part of the ongoing employment drive. The minister emphasized that over 500,000 jobs were created in the railway sector over the last decade, spanning various roles such as track maintenance, locomotive pilots, technicians, clerks, engineers, and Group-D positions. This recruitment initiative is expected to provide a significant boost to employment opportunities in the country, especially in the context of enhancing operational efficiency.

During the fiscal year 2024-2025, the Indian Railways reported an operating ratio of 99.22%, indicating a balanced management of expenses and revenues. The gross traffic revenue exceeded 2.65 trillion rupees, with a surplus of approximately 2,660 crore rupees. This financial health has enabled the Indian Railways to focus on expanding its workforce while investing in infrastructure development, particularly in the northeastern states, where the budget has been increased to 11,486 crore rupees for new line construction and upgrades.

The minister confirmed that the recruitment process for these 150,000 positions is actively ongoing, with several exams and selections already completed. More notifications for various positions are expected to be announced soon, ensuring that the recruitment process remains transparent and efficient. This focus on recruitment not only aims to address unemployment but also aligns with the broader goal of improving the efficiency and capacity of Indian Railways as it continues to play a critical role in the nation's transportation infrastructure.