How to become an Indian Railway Traffic Service Officer

The Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) is the top 5th Group 'A' Civil Service of the Government of India, accountable for the management of the two Indian Railways branches- Transportation Operations and Commercial wings.

One can be directly recruited for the position through Combined Civil Services Examination conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) or by being promoted from Group B Operating and Commercial departments’ officers of the Zonal Railways.

·       Directs the transportation output production and sale

·       Oversees safe, comfortable, and efficient railways customer interface

·       Guarantee smooth and fast freight and passengers transportation in the Operations wing

·       Warrant assets optimum utilization by maximizing output with minimum inputs

·       Oversee railway assets such as track, wagons, engines, signals, etc. by coordinating with the service departments

·       Combine various departmental assets maintenance outputs to produce service output 

·       Handle sales, price, marketing and service components of the passenger and freight business in the Commercial wing

·       Review past sales, profits, performance efficiency, etc.

·       Production of transportation regulations

·       In the zonal headquarters, manage IT passenger e-ticketing requirement as well as increasing bandwidth and speed for online booking facilities.

Individuals who are patriotic, passionate to serve the nation and have ample knowledge on Indian Constitution, Laws, and other rules and regulations is fit to become an IRTS Officer. Along with this, they should also possess knowledge on railway system’s organization and its rules and regulations. Possessing technological and computer skills can be an added benefit.

They need to have strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills. They must be comfortable, firm and composed, while dealing with individuals, including talking to them during confrontational situations. They must also be skilled at interviewing, maintain diplomacy, and assertiveness in case of aggression and hostility.

Other skills required are problem solving, negotiation, decision-making, commercial, organizational, and analytical. They also need to be efficient in leadership, team and time management such as meeting deadlines, prioritize tasks, and take personal responsibility for a professional workload.

The field also demands self-discipline, patience, punctuality, commitment self-confidence and a desire to climb up the ladder. They must accept the responsibility attached to the limitless power. To handle things effectively a lot of hard work, stamina, alertness of mind, adaptability, and good team spirit is required. A proactive approach in planning and management is also expected.