Is the Cabinet Approving a Rs 1,866 Crore Bonus for Railway Staff Before Diwali?
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Synopsis
The Union Cabinet has approved a festive season bonus of Rs 1,866 crore for railway staff, benefiting millions of employees. This significant payout, recognized for their dedication, comes ahead of Diwali and highlights the impressive performance of the Railways in recent years.
Key Takeaways
- The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 1,866 crore bonus for railway employees.
- This bonus benefits over 10.90 lakh staff nationwide.
- Each eligible employee can receive a maximum of Rs 17,951.
- The Vande Bharat Sleeper train launch is imminent.
- Modern amenities will be included in the new sleeper trains.
New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) In a significant boost for the festive season, the Union Cabinet has sanctioned a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) amounting to Rs 1,866 crore for railway personnel, positively impacting over 10.90 lakh employees nationwide.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that this bonus, which equates to 78 days of wages, acknowledges the unwavering commitment of railway staff in ensuring seamless operations and enhancing efficiency.
According to a Cabinet note, the maximum eligible amount of PLB, which corresponds to 78 days’ wages for each qualifying railway employee, stands at Rs 17,951.
This amount is set to be distributed among various railway personnel such as track maintainers, loco pilots, train managers (guards), station masters, supervisors, technicians, technician helpers, pointsmen, ministerial staff, and other Group ‘C’ employees.
“The performance of Railways in the year 2024-25 has been exceptional. Railways recorded a historic cargo load of 1614.90 million tonnes and transported nearly 7.3 billion passengers,” the Cabinet highlighted.
Last year, a similar bonus of Rs 2,029 crore was approved, benefiting over 11.7 lakh employees.
The Railways Minister also announced that the long-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will soon be launched.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, he mentioned that the first train has successfully passed all necessary tests and is currently stationed at Delhi’s Shakur Basti Coaching Depot, while the second train is expected to be ready by mid-October.
“Both trains will be inaugurated simultaneously to maintain continuity of overnight services,” Vaishnaw added.
Manufactured by BEML using technology from the Integral Coach Factory, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will consist of 16 coaches divided into AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier.
With a maximum speed of 180 kmph, it will stand among the fastest overnight trains in India, accommodating up to 1,128 passengers.
The train is designed to offer modern amenities such as reading lights with USB ports, automated announcements, modular pantries, security cameras, and facilities for the disabled.
There are high expectations that the new sleeper service may be launched on the New Delhi-Patna route, especially with the Bihar Assembly elections approaching later this year.
Point of View
The government's decision to grant a substantial bonus to railway employees underscores its commitment to recognizing hard work and enhancing employee motivation. As the festive season approaches, such initiatives not only boost morale but also reflect positively on the overall performance of the railway sector.
NationPress
24/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the amount of the bonus approved for railway employees?
The Union Cabinet has approved a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) worth Rs 1,866 crore for railway staff.
How many railway employees will benefit from this bonus?
Over 10.90 lakh railway employees across the country will benefit from this bonus.
What is the maximum amount of PLB payable to each eligible employee?
The maximum payable amount of PLB is Rs 17,951, which is equivalent to 78 days’ wages for each eligible railway employee.
When are the new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains expected to launch?
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are expected to be launched soon, with the first train already stationed at Delhi’s Shakur Basti Coaching Depot.
What modern amenities will the new sleeper trains offer?
The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will feature reading lights with USB ports, automated announcements, modular pantries, security cameras, and facilities for disabled passengers.
