No. AIRF/64/
Dated: 06.01.2026
To
Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw
Hon’ble Minister for Railways,
Government of India,
Rail Bhavan,
New Delhi – 110001
Subject: –Request for revision of vacancy assessment for RRB Group ‘D’ Recruitment 2026 (Level-1, 7th CPC)
Reference:– Advertisement No. CEN 09/2025 for filling up of 22,000 vacancies in Group ‘D’ cadre.
Respected Sir,
The All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) wishes to invite your kind attention to Advertisement No. CEN 09/2025, issued with the approval of the Railway Board, for filling up 22,000 vacancies in Group ‘D’ cadre (Level-1) through RRB Recruitment 2026. These vacancies pertain to critical entry-level posts such as Pointsman, Assistant, Track Maintainer, Assistant Loco Shed, Assistant Operations, and Assistant TL & AC, etc., which form the backbone of railway operations, safety, and maintenance.
At the outset, AIRF places on record its serious concern that the number of vacancies notified is substantially lower than the actual vacancies assessed and projected by the General Managers of Zonal Railways. It is regrettable that the realistic vacancy position, as assessed at the Zonal level after due consideration of operational and safety requirements, has not been duly reflected in the final notification issued by the Railway Board.
Further, it is also observed with concern that no proper and comprehensive assessment of vacancies pertaining to Workshops has been undertaken. Non-consideration of workshop vacancies has resulted in a distorted and understated vacancy figure, which does not reflect the ground realities. Workshops play a vital role in maintenance, overhauling, and safety-critical functions, and any shortfall in manpower therein directly impacts efficiency and safety. Smooth functioning of workshops without helpers is hardly possible.
The decision to notify a reduced number of vacancies, despite availability of higher assessed vacancies, is not justified from the standpoint of safety, efficiency, and smooth functioning of Zonal Railways. On the contrary, it is likely to aggravate staff shortages and impose an undue and avoidable burden on the existing workforce, who are already overstretched due to prolonged vacancies.
In view of the above, AIRF strongly urges the Railway Board to reconsider its decision to notify only 22,000 vacancies and to enhance the notified vacancies in accordance with the actual vacancy position furnished by the Zonal Railways, duly factoring in the requirements of workshops as well. A realistic and transparent vacancy notification will not only strengthen operational efficiency but also reinforce confidence among aspiring candidates and serving employees alike.
AIRF, therefore, earnestly requests that necessary instructions may kindly be issued to the concerned authorities to revise and notify the actual number of vacancies by issuing a necessary corrigendum, in the larger interest of safety, efficiency, and fairness.
An early and favourable consideration of this long-standing and genuine issue shall be highly appreciated.
Yours faithfully,
(Shiva Gopal Mishra)
General Secretary
All India Railwaymen’s Federation
Copy to:
- Chairman & CEO, Railway Board, New Delhi – For necessary action
- Addl. Member (HR), Railway Board, New Delhi – For necessary action
- DG (HR), Railway Board, New Delhi – For necessary action
- PED/IR, Railway Board, New Delhi – For necessary action
- General Managers, All Indian Railways – For necessary action
- General Secretaries, All Affiliated Unions – For information
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