Cabinet Approves 78-Day Productivity Bonus for 1.1 Million Railway Employees
The Union Cabinet has approved a productivity-linked bonus equivalent to 78 days of wages for approximately 1.1 million non-gazetted railway employees. The payout, totalling ₹1,886 crore, is an annual tradition before the Dussehra and Durga Puja festival season and serves as an incentive for staff. The decision recognizes the Railways' strong performance in the past year, during which it achieved record freight loading and passenger numbers, providing a festive financial boost to a vast workforce.
Unpacked:
The bonus is given to non-gazetted railway employees, including track maintainers, loco pilots, train managers, station masters, supervisors, technicians, helpers, pointsmen, ministerial staff, and other Group 'C' workers.
Each eligible employee can receive a maximum bonus capped at Rs 17,951, which is equivalent to 78 days of wages and will be paid before the festive season.
The bonus is traditionally given before Dussehra and Durga Puja to provide a festive financial boost, recognize employee performance, and motivate staff during major Indian festivals when expenses are higher.
The bonus was approved in recognition of the Railways' strong performance, including record freight loading of 1,614.9 million tonnes and nearly 730 crore passengers carried in 2024–25.