Question 1

In which year was the Railway Board of India originally constituted?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Which committee's recommendations led to the major reorganization of the Railway Board in 1924?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What is the primary role of the Chairman and CEO of the Railway Board?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

The Railway Board functions as a secretariat to which Union Ministry?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

How many functional members, excluding the Chairman, are currently part of the restructured Railway Board?

Accepted Answer

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.

Railway Board — Set 1