Central cabinet approves 78-day ₹1,865 Crore bonus for Railway employees

The Union Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given its green light to a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) of 78 days for a massive workforce of 10,91,146 railway employees. This significant bonus, which totals a substantial ₹1,865.68 crore, is a direct acknowledgment of the exceptional performance and hard work of the railway staff throughout the fiscal year. The decision was made to recognize their contribution to the Railways' success.

The bonus payment, a tradition now, is set to be disbursed annually to eligible non-gazetted employees in time for the Durga Puja and Dussehra holidays. This timing is strategic, serving not only as a financial reward but also as a festive incentive for the dedicated employees. The maximum payable amount per employee has been fixed at a considerable ₹17,951, a move aimed at directly benefiting the majority of the workforce.

The Productivity Linked Bonus is not merely a gesture of appreciation; it is also a powerful incentive designed to motivate railway employees to continuously strive for better performance. By directly linking a portion of their compensation to the overall productivity of the Railways, the government hopes to foster a culture of efficiency and excellence. This move is expected to boost morale and encourage a more proactive approach to their duties.

The Railways' performance in the year 2024-25 has been a key factor in the Cabinet's decision. The department reported a robust performance, highlighted by a record-breaking cargo loading of 1614.90 million tonnes. Furthermore, the Railways successfully transported nearly 7.3 billion passengers, a testament to its operational efficiency and the hard work of its staff. These achievements justified the significant bonus payout.

The bonus will be disbursed to a wide range of staff members who are crucial to the daily operations of the Indian Railways. This includes essential personnel such as Track Maintainers, Loco Pilots, Train Managers, Station Masters, and various other Group 'C' staff. By including these frontline workers, the government is ensuring that the benefits of the Railways' success are shared broadly among those who make its operations possible.