In a festive gesture ahead of Diwali, the Modi government has approved a 78-day productivity-linked bonus (PLB) for more than 10.91 lakh non-gazetted employees of Indian Railways. The move is expected to boost morale and inject spending power into the economy during the festive season.
The bonus, equivalent to 78 days of wages, will be disbursed to eligible staff including track maintainers, loco pilots, guards, station masters, and technicians. The maximum payable amount is ₹17,951 per employee, as per the Ministry of Railways.
“This decision reflects the government’s appreciation of railway employees’ contribution to operational efficiency and passenger services,” said a senior Railway Board official.
The PLB scheme has been in place since 1979 and is calculated based on operational performance, punctuality, and freight movement. This year’s bonus mirrors the 2024 payout, signaling continuity despite fiscal pressures.
Gazetted officers and RPF personnel are excluded from the scheme, as per standard policy.
Union leaders welcomed the announcement but reiterated demands for broader wage reforms and permanent inclusion of PLB in salary structures. The All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) called it a “timely recognition” of frontline workers.
The bonus will be credited before Diwali, ensuring liquidity for festive purchases and travel. Economists note that such payouts can stimulate local markets, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where railway staff form a significant consumer base.