New Delhi, Oct 15: In a major festive-season announcement, the Union Cabinet has approved a productivity-linked bonus equivalent to 78 days’ wages for around 11.41 lakh eligible railway employees for the financial year 2025-26.
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The total financial outlay for the bonus is estimated at ₹2,009.61 crore, with each eligible employee entitled to receive a maximum payment of ₹17,951, according to the announcement.
The bonus recognises the contribution of railway personnel to the operational performance of Indian Railways, particularly in managing passenger services and freight transportation across the country.
Who Will Receive the Bonus?
The productivity-linked bonus will cover eligible non-gazetted railway employees across various categories. These include track maintainers, locomotive pilots, train managers, station masters, supervisors, technicians and other Group C staff.
The annual payment is traditionally announced ahead of the festive season, providing financial support to railway employees and recognising their contribution to the functioning of one of the world’s largest railway networks.
Railways Records Strong Freight and Passenger Traffic
The government cited Indian Railways’ operational performance during 2025-26 as part of the context for the bonus announcement.
According to the figures provided, the national transporter recorded freight loading of 1,670 million tonnes during the financial year. It also carried nearly 7.41 billion passengers over the same period.
Railway employees play a key role in maintaining train operations, ensuring passenger services run smoothly and facilitating the movement of goods across the country.
Bonus to Recognise Employees’ Contribution
The productivity-linked bonus scheme is intended to reward eligible railway personnel for their contribution to operational efficiency and overall performance. The payment also comes ahead of major festivals, including Durga Puja and Dussehra, when household expenditure typically rises.
With a payout exceeding ₹2,000 crore, the approval covers a substantial workforce across the railway network. The maximum bonus of ₹17,951 will apply to eligible employees in accordance with the applicable scheme provisions.
The decision underscores the importance of railway employees in sustaining passenger and freight operations while supporting the continued functioning of India’s extensive rail transport system.