The Ministry of Railways has issued RBE No. 123/2025, dated 10 December 2025, granting permission to engage Ex-Servicemen as Pointsman on a contract basis to meet urgent operational requirements in Indian Railways. This decision has been taken as a temporary and interim measure until regularly appointed candidates become available through Railway Recruitment Cells (RRCs).
This article explains the key provisions, conditions, validity, and implications of this important Railway Board order.
Background of the Decision
The Railway Board had earlier issued RBE No. 104/2024 allowing contractual engagement of Ex-Servicemen in certain categories. Due to continued shortage of Pointsman staff, especially affecting train operations and safety, the Board reviewed the matter again.
After examination at the highest level (MoBD, MF & CRB), it has now been decided to extend this provision specifically to the Pointsman category, considering its critical operational importance.
Who Can Be Engaged as Pointsman?
Under RBE No. 123/2025, the following eligibility framework has been approved:
- Only Ex-Servicemen can be engaged
- Engagement will be purely on a contract basis
- Recruitment will be done directly through Central or State Ex-Servicemen Welfare Boards
- Engagement is allowed only when regularly appointed Pointsmen are not available
This ensures that experienced and disciplined personnel are deployed during staff shortages without bypassing regular recruitment.
Mandatory Training Before Deployment
Before being posted on duty, all engaged Ex-Servicemen must:
- Undergo full initial training prescribed for the post of Pointsman
- Receive contractual remuneration during training
- Successfully pass the prescribed training course
If a candidate:
- Fails the training, or
- Is found medically or otherwise unsuitable
then such candidate will be discharged immediately, after payment for the training period as per contract terms.
Maximum Number of Engagements
The Railway Board has fixed a clear upper limit:
- Total maximum engagement: 5,058 Ex-Servicemen
- This number will be zone-wise, based on:
- Indented requirements under current recruitment, or
- Actual vacancies in the Pointsman category
- Whichever is lower
This condition prevents over-engagement and protects future regular appointments.
Termination on Joining of Regular Candidates
An important safeguard has been included in the order:
- Contractual Ex-Servicemen Pointsmen must be terminated immediately once:
- Regularly selected candidates joinCTKJ3C
- Join through RRC recruitment
Zonal Railways are instructed to:
- Closely monitor this process
- Clearly mention this termination clause in the contract agreement
This ensures that contract engagement does not affect permanent employment opportunities.
Validity Period of the Permission
The permission granted under RBE No. 123/2025 is:
- Valid up to 31 December 2026
Any further extension:
- Will depend on vacancy position at that time
- Requires prior approval of the Railway Board
Zonal Railways cannot extend contracts on their own beyond this date.
Why This Decision Is Important
This move is significant because:
- Pointsman is a safety-critical operational category
- Shortage directly impacts train movement and punctuality
- Ex-Servicemen bring:
- Discipline
- Field experience
- Immediate deployability after training
At the same time, the Railway Board has ensured that regular recruitment remains the primary mode of appointment.
Conclusion
RBE No. 123/2025 strikes a practical balance between operational necessity and recruitment policy. By allowing temporary engagement of Ex-Servicemen as Pointsman, Indian Railways can maintain smooth operations without compromising long-term employment structures.
Zonal Railways must strictly follow the laid-down conditions related to training, numbers, monitoring, and termination to ensure full compliance with Board instructions.