Ananya Gupta
September 11, 2023 07:00
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IRTS full form - Indian Railway Traffic Service, is a prestigious Group 'A' civil service responsible for managing transportation operations within the Indian Railways. Learn about IRTS roles, training, and career prospects.
IRTS stands for Indian Railway Traffic Service. Established to manage and streamline the diverse aspects of railway operations, IRTS officers play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient movement of trains, optimal utilization of resources, and the enhancement of passenger and freight services across the vast network of the Indian Railways.
IRTS officers are entrusted with multifaceted responsibilities that encompass traffic management, commercial operations, safety enhancement, and policy formulation. They are at the forefront of devising train schedules, coordinating train movements, and mitigating potential congestion. Their expertise in managing the logistics of both passengers and freight enables the smooth flow of goods and people across the country.
The Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) is a vital civil service within India responsible for the comprehensive management and operation of the Indian Railways’ transportation services. As part of the Group A services, IRTS officers undertake key roles in traffic operations and commercial management of the railways. Their responsibilities encompass diverse aspects, including devising efficient train schedules, facilitating secure train movements, optimizing resource utilization, managing freight and passenger operations, ensuring commercial viability through pricing and revenue strategies, coordinating logistics and supply chains, and enhancing passenger services and safety measures. IRTS officers play a pivotal role in policy formulation, embracing modern technologies, and fostering coordination between various railway departments and external stakeholders. Their dedicated efforts contribute significantly to the seamless functioning and advancement of India’s expansive railway network.
Here is the age limit and attempt details for the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) examination:-
Age Limit:
Candidates must have attained the age of 21 years and must not have attained the age of 32 years on the 1st of August, 2021. However, there are relaxations in the upper age limit for candidates belonging to specific categories:
Number of Attempts:
The maximum number of attempts restriction for the IRTS examination is effective from the examination held in 1984. The number of attempts varies based on the candidate’s category:
The Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) stands as a distinguished Group ‘A’ service option, open to individuals who have successfully cleared the UPSC Civil Services Exam. The professionals within this cadre shoulder the significant responsibility of overseeing the transportation wing of the Indian Railways. IRTS officers play a vital role in ensuring the efficient movement of trains, effective utilization of resources, and the enhancement of passenger and freight services. Here are some of the key roles and responsibilities of IRTS officers:
1. Coordinating Production and Sale: IRTS officers manage the coordination between the production of transportation services (trains, schedules) and their effective sale to passengers and industries. This involves optimizing resource allocation and ensuring efficient train operations.
2. Customer Interface: They oversee the customer interface of railways, striving to enhance the passenger experience. This includes amenities, services, and customer engagement.
3. Operations Management: In the operations wing, IRTS officers ensure the seamless and timely transportation of both freight and passengers. This involves planning and executing train movements, resolving operational challenges, and minimizing disruptions.
4. Commercial Management: In the commercial wing, officers handle various aspects of the business, including sales, pricing, services, and marketing for both passenger and freight operations. This contributes to revenue generation and customer satisfaction.
5. Deputation to Other Ministries: IRTS officers have the opportunity to work on deputation in other ministries and departments through the Central Staffing Scheme. This exposure broadens their experience and contributes to cross-functional expertise.
IRTS officers belong to the Group A cadre of civil services in India. The cadre is structured into different grades, each with its own corresponding pay scale and responsibilities. It’s important to note that salaries and pay scales can change over time due to government revisions and recommendations. Here are the general grades and salaries for IRTS officers:
| Grade | Positions | Pay Scale |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Time Scale | Assistant Commercial Manager, Assistant Operations Manager | Rs.15,600-39,100 (Grade Pay Rs.5400) |
| Senior Time Scale | Divisional Commercial Manager, Divisional Operations Manager | Rs.15,600-39,100 (Grade Pay Rs.6600) |
| Junior Administrative Grade | Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Senior Divisional Operations Manager | Rs.15,600-39,100 (Grade Pay Rs.7600) |
| Selection Grade | Senior Divisional Commercial Manager/Deputy Chief Commercial Manager, Senior Divisional Operations Manager/Deputy Chief Operations Manager | Rs.37,400-67,000 (Grade Pay Rs.8700) |
| Senior Administrative Grade | Chief Commercial Manager/Chief Claims Officer, Chief Operations Manager/Chief Freight Transportation Manager/Chief Passenger Transportation Manager/Chief Traffic Planning Manager | Rs.37,400-67,000 (Grade Pay Rs.10,000) |
| Higher Administrative Grade | Chief Commercial Manager, Chief Operations Manager, Additional Member/Additional Advisor | 67000-3%-79000 |
| Higher Administrative Grade + | Member (Traffic) | 80000 |
The training of probationers in the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) is a comprehensive and essential process that equips new officers with the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to effectively manage and oversee various aspects of railway operations and management. The training program is designed to prepare IRTS officers for the dynamic and multifaceted challenges of their roles within the Indian Railways. Here’s an overview of the training process for IRTS probationers:
1. National Training Academies: IRTS probationers start their training journey at national training academies like Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), National Academy of Direct Taxes (NADT), Dr Marri Channa Reddy Human Resource Development Institute of Andhra Pradesh, and RCVP Noronha Academy of Administration. This foundational training imparts a broader understanding of administrative and governance principles.
2. Railway Foundation Course: Post the initial training at national academies, probationers undergo the Railway Foundation Course at the National Academy of Indian Railways, Vadodara. This course likely covers railway-specific subjects and introduces them to the intricacies of the railway sector.
3. Indian Railway Institute of Transportation Management (IRITM): Specialized training is imparted at IRITM in Lucknow. This training includes immersive experiences such as field trips to railway activity centers, workshops, organizations, centralized training institutes, railway project sites, and ports.
4. Practical Exposure: Practical exposure is a crucial component of IRTS training. Field trips and visits to various railway facilities provide firsthand insights into the day-to-day operations, challenges, and best practices of the railway network.
Parliamentary Attachment: IRTS probationers also undergo a parliamentary attachment, which exposes them to the legislative processes and decision-making aspects related to railways.
5. Civil Service Academies and IIM: They gain exposure to other civil service academies and an Indian Institute of Management (IIM). These stints provide a broader perspective and cross-domain learning.
Following their comprehensive training, officers of the Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) are posted in various capacities across the vast network of the Indian Railways. These postings are strategically assigned to leverage their skills and expertise in areas that require their specialized knowledge in traffic operations and commercial management. Here are some of the key postings that IRTS officers can expect after their training:
1. IRTS officers serve as Operations Officer and Commercial Officer within the Indian Railways transportation department.
2. After completing their final induction, IRTS Cadres hold various posts across different divisions and wings of Indian Railways, including:
The Indian Railway Traffic Service (IRTS) offers promising career prospects with a trajectory that allows officers to progress through various levels of responsibility and influence within the Indian Railways. The service provides ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, contributing to both the individual officer’s development and the efficient functioning of the railway network. Here’s an overview of the career prospects within IRTS:
1. Entry-Level Positions: Officers typically start their careers in entry-level positions such as Assistant Operations Manager or Assistant Commercial Manager. These roles provide a foundation for understanding the intricacies of railway operations and commercial management.
2. Divisional and Zonal Responsibilities: With experience, officers can move up to Divisional Operations Manager, Divisional Commercial Manager, and eventually Chief Operations Manager or Chief Commercial Manager positions at the divisional and zonal levels. These roles involve broader responsibilities and strategic decision-making.
3. Policy Formulation and Administration: As officers gain expertise, they can move to headquarters, corporate offices, or railway ministry units where they contribute to policy formulation, administration, and high-level decision-making.
4. Centralized Training Institutes: Some officers take on roles at centralized training institutes, where they contribute to training programs for various railway services. This role allows them to share their knowledge and shape the future of the service.
5. Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs): IRTS officers may also receive opportunities to work in other Public Sector Undertakings related to transportation and logistics, further broadening their horizons and domain knowledge.
6. Deputation to Other Ministries: Through the Central Staffing Scheme, officers can be deputed to other ministries and departments. This offers exposure to different sectors and cross-domain learning.
7. International Assignments: Exceptional officers may represent Indian Railways on international assignments, collaborating with global counterparts and contributing to international railway initiatives.
8. Higher Administrative Positions: IRTS officers can progress to higher administrative positions such as Additional Member, General Manager, or even Member (Traffic) at the Railway Board. These roles carry substantial influence and responsibility.
9. Cross-Functional Experience: IRTS officers often gain cross-functional experience by working with various departments, enhancing their understanding of the railway system as a whole.
10. Leadership Roles: With years of experience and demonstrated expertise, officers can aspire to leadership roles, influencing major policies, projects, and innovations within the Indian Railways.
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| GATT Full Form | State PCS Full Form |
| BRO Full Form | FERA Full Form |
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