New Delhi: In a major development for the Indian Railways, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) has approved the appointment of Shalini Darbari (IRAS: 1990) as Additional Member (Finance) in the Railway Board, effective December 1, 2025.
This elevation places a seasoned financial expert at the helm of the Ministry of Railways’ critical fiscal management and decision-making processes.
A Financial Veteran from Indian Railways
Shalini Darbari currently serves as the Principal Financial Adviser (PFA) of Western Railway, one of the most commercially significant zones of Indian Railways. Known for her financial acumen and administrative efficiency, she has played a pivotal role in shaping budgeting and accounting frameworks within the zone.
Earlier this year, she was also entrusted with the additional charge of Director (Finance) at the Mumbai Railway Vikas Corporation (MRVC) — an appointment seen as recognition of her deep expertise in managing large-scale infrastructure finance.
Strategic Role in the Railway Board
Her new assignment as Additional Member (Finance)—a Level 16 post—will involve overseeing financial planning, resource allocation, and fiscal oversight for the national transporter. This includes responsibility for major projects, capital investments, public-private partnerships, and optimizing financial efficiency across the board.
Given the scale of ongoing railway modernization, including station redevelopment and high-speed rail corridors, Darbari’s leadership is expected to play a central role in ensuring sound financial governance.
