Railway Board — Set 1
Indian Railways · रेलवे बोर्ड · Questions 1–10 of 50
In which year was the Railway Board of India originally constituted?
Correct Answer: A. 1905
The Railway Board was first established in 1905 following the recommendations of the Thomas Robertson Committee. It was created to provide a specialized administrative structure for the expanding rail network. The Board functions as the apex body for the management of Indian Railways.
Which committee's recommendations led to the major reorganization of the Railway Board in 1924?
Correct Answer: A. Acworth Committee
The Acworth Committee recommended a clear separation of railway finances from general finances. This led to the 'Separation Convention' of 1924 and enhanced the powers of the Railway Board. It remains a landmark in the administrative history of Indian Railways.
What is the primary role of the Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board?
Correct Answer: C. Administrative Head
The Chairman and CEO acts as the administrative head of the Indian Railways and reports to the Minister of Railways. This role involves coordinating the various functional wings of the board for smooth operations. The position was redesigned in 2020 to include the CEO designation.
The Railway Board functions as a secretariat to which Union Ministry?
Correct Answer: C. Ministry of Railways
The Railway Board serves as the secretariat for the Ministry of Railways. It provides technical advice and policy direction to the Union Minister. It is unique as it is a board that functions with the powers of a ministry.
How many functional members, excluding the Chairman, are currently part of the restructured Railway Board?
Correct Answer: A. Four
Following the 2020 restructuring, the Railway Board was slimmed down to include only four functional members. These members look after Infrastructure, Operations & Business Development, Traction & Rolling Stock, and Finance. This move aimed to reduce departmentalism within the organization.
Which of the following is the permanent headquarters of the Railway Board?
Correct Answer: C. Rail Bhavan
Rail Bhavan in New Delhi serves as the headquarters for the Railway Board. It houses the offices of the Railway Minister and top board officials. The building is located near the Parliament House for administrative convenience.
Who was the first Indian to be appointed as the Chairman of the Railway Board?
Correct Answer: A. F.C. Badhwar
F.C. Badhwar became the first Indian Chairman of the Railway Board in 1951. Before him, the post was typically held by British officials. His appointment marked a significant step in the indigenization of railway leadership.
The Financial Commissioner of the Railway Board represents which external ministry within the board?
Correct Answer: D. Ministry of Finance
The Member (Finance) or the former Financial Commissioner represents the Ministry of Finance to ensure fiscal discipline. This ensures that the railway budget aligns with national financial policies. It is a critical role for managing the massive capital expenditure of the railways.
Under the new structure, what does 'IRMS' stand for in the context of the Railway Board?
Correct Answer: C. Indian Railway Management Service
Indian Railway Management Service (IRMS) is the new unified cadre for the senior management of the railways. It was created by merging eight different technical and non-technical services. This unification aims to end departmental silos in decision-making.
The Railway Board derives its legal authority and powers primarily from which act?
Correct Answer: D. Railway Board Act, 1905
The Railway Board Act, 1905, is the primary legislation that empowers the board to manage the railways. It grants the board the authority to regulate traffic and oversee safety. The act has been amended over time to suit modern administrative needs.