The Union Cabinet, on September 24, approved a Rs 1,866 crore productivity-linked bonus benefiting more than 10.9 lakh railway staff.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the decision recognises the “excellent performance” of railway staff, adding that the payout will cover the equivalent of 78 days of wages. The move comes just ahead of Diwali and the upcoming elections in Bihar, scheduled later this year.
Under the scheme, the maximum bonus payable to each eligible employee is capped at Rs 17,951. The payment will be made before the festive season, offering financial relief and recognition to lakhs of families.
The bonus will be given to non-gazetted railway employees from different categories.
This includes track maintainers, loco pilots, train managers, station masters, supervisors, technicians, helpers, pointsmen, ministerial staff, and other Group ‘C’ workers.
The Railways has been providing productivity-linked bonuses every year ahead of Durga Puja and Dussehra. The aim is to reward employees for their role in improving performance and to encourage them further.