Choose the right track

The Indian Railways (IR) is considered to be the principal mode of transport in India, as it carries nearly 13 million passengers per day and lifts more than a million tonne of freight traffic daily.
N M Balasubrahmanyam, executive director, Institute of Rail Transport (IRT), says, ‘‘The need for trained professionals in the area of rail and other modes of transport is evolving, as the economy is expanding and better connectivity systems are being established.’’
Realising the need of trained manpower in the transport sector, the IRT, recognised by the Ministry of Railways offers various courses to those who are interested in pursuing a career in Indian Railways.To begin with, one-year diploma courses in rail transport and management, transport economics and management and multi-modal transporter or containerisation and logistics management. A two-year diploma course in port development and management in association with the Chartered Institute of Transport is conducted.
The advantages of IRT courses are that they are recognised, exclusive, flexible, via correspondence and are offered in English as well as Hindi. About the career prospects, Balasubrahmanyam adds by saying, ‘‘There are 19 Railway Recruitment Boards all over the country. Job prospects exist in subsidiary organisations of Railways like the Rail India Technical and Economic Services Ltd, Indian Railway Finance Corporation Ltd, Container Corporation of India Ltd, Centre for Railway Information Systems to name a few.’’
In addition, opportunities exist in organisations like the food corporation of India, fertiliser, petroleum and other relative industries both in the public and private sector. There are 12 major ports and around 117 minor ports in India, which require trained manpower and connectivity network too, remarks Balasubrahmanyam.
‘‘Presently, there are around 1.8 million employees in the railways. Therefore, students can visualise the scope and career prospects in the Indian railways,’’ says Balasubrahmanyam.