Union Cabinet approves 78-day productivity linked bonus for over 11 lakh railway employees

This decision aims to give recognition to the hard work and dedication of railway staff in enhancing the performance of Indian Railways.

The bonus, equivalent to 78 days’ wages, will be distributed among various categories of railway employees, including track maintainers, loco pilots, train managers, station masters, supervisors, technicians, pointsmen, ministerial staff, and other Group C and D employees.

The maximum bonus amount per employee is Rs 17,951.

In a statement, the government praised the exceptional performance of Indian Railways during the 2023-2024 financial year.

The Railways achieved record milestones, including the loading of 1,588 million tonnes of cargo and transporting 6.7 billion passengers.

These achievements were attributed to infrastructure improvements, higher capital expenditure, operational efficiency, and advanced technology.

Last year, the Railways also announced a similar 78-day bonus for its non-gazetted employees.

According to the Sixth Pay Commission, Group D employees with a basic income of Rs 7,000 per month received around Rs 18,000 for the same 78-day bonus period.

In 2022, the Centre had rolled out a Rs 17,951 Diwali bonus per employee, benefiting over 11 lakh railway workers, at a total cost of Rs 1,832 crore.