[7] In his report in 1903, Thomas recommended setting up of a three-member Railway Board headed by a chief commissioner.

[11][12] In October 1954, the chairman of the board was made responsible for decisions on technical and policy matters, with the status of a principal secretary to the Government of India with an additional member added.

[17] The railway board consists of a chairman, four members responsible for operations, business development, human resources, infrastructure and finance respectively.

[19] Also part of the board are four director generals responsible for human resources, health, RPF and safety respectively.

On 14 February 2008, Westinghouse Air Brake, admitted to a US federal court of violating Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) regulations by making improper payments from its subsidiary Pioneer Friction based in Kolkata, to government officials of the Indian railway board to obtain and retain business with the Railway Board and curb taxes.

[26] The railway board clarified that no rules had been broken during the appointment and suspended Mahesh, the person concerned.