Introduction: 

Indian Railways embraced psycho-technology in 1964 in pursuance of recommendation of Railway Accident Committee-1962 by setting up a unit in Railway Board's office. This unit was transferred to RDSO in 1970 and given the status of a full-fledged directorate in 1990. Since its inception the Psycho-Technical Unit has been instrumental in development and standardization of behavioral intervention programs and their implementation earnestly addressing the safety concern of Indian Railways. The activities of the directorate include research and development in the area of human resource development, engineering psychological tools formed as 'aptitude tests' for safety category railway staff who are directly involved in train operation and ergonomics. The focus is also on job analysis, motivation, stress management, safety supervision, counseling and appraisal of tools and work places. The vast experience of its existence has enabled the directorate to develop expertise in the field of human factors and safety, which is unique in the country.