The Indian Railway Welfare Organisation (IRWO) was established on 25th September 1989 under the patronage of the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, with the objective of promoting social welfare schemes like assisting railway employees—both serving and retired—to acquire housing on a "No Profit No Loss" basis.
IRWO is a registered Society under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860. Its headquarters is located in New Delhi, . These zonal offices may be increased or wound up based on requirement.
Governing Body
- Ex-officio Members (Ministry of Railways):
- Member Infra. (Chairman)
- Advisor or Executive Director/IR
- Advisor or Executive Director/Accounts
- Advisor or Executive Director/L & A
- Union Representatives:
- Two representatives each from AIRF and NFIR
- One representative each from Group A Railway Officers Association, IRPOF, and IRPFA
- Executive Officers:
- Managing Director
- Director Technical
- Director Finance
- Co-opted Members: Nominated by Chairman, Railway Board, up to four experts with relevant experience.
Activities
Although initially formed to promote social welfare broadly, IRWO now primarily focuses on construction of housing for its members across India through self-financing schemes.
As of 31st March 2025, IRWO proudly serves 89,681 members across the nation.