New Delhi: 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. The total financial outlay for the bonus is estimated at Rs 2,009.61 crore.
The annual bonus recognises the contribution of railway personnel to the operational performance and efficiency of Indian Railways, which plays a crucial role in transporting passengers and goods across the country.
Maximum Bonus of Rs 17,951 Per Employee
Under the approved scheme, each eligible employee can receive a maximum bonus of Rs 17,951. The benefit covers non-gazetted railway employees across various categories who contribute to the day-to-day functioning of the national transporter.
Eligible staff include track maintainers, loco pilots, train managers, station masters, supervisors, technicians and other Group C employees.
These personnel are involved in a wide range of railway operations, including train movement, track maintenance, technical services, station management, passenger assistance and freight transportation.
Bonus Announced Ahead of Durga Puja and Dussehra
The productivity-linked bonus is traditionally announced ahead of the Durga Puja and Dussehra festive season. The annual payment is intended to reward railway employees for their work and contribution to maintaining railway services and operational efficiency.
The bonus also recognises the efforts of employees who help manage passenger traffic and freight movement, particularly during periods of high demand.
Indian Railways Records 1,670 Million Tonnes of Freight Loading
According to government figures cited in the announcement, Indian Railways achieved freight loading of 1,670 million tonnes during the 2025–26 financial year.
The railway network also transported nearly 7.41 billion passengers during the same period, highlighting its role in meeting the country’s passenger travel and logistics requirements.
Freight transportation is an important part of railway operations, supporting the movement of goods across different regions. Passenger services, meanwhile, connect cities, towns and rural areas while supporting daily commuters and long-distance travellers.
Rs 2,009.61 Crore Allocated for Bonus Payments
The total estimated payout of Rs 2,009.61 crore will cover approximately 11.41 lakh eligible railway employees. The maximum individual bonus has been set at Rs 17,951 under the approved productivity-linked bonus scheme.
The payment is aimed at acknowledging the contribution of railway staff to the performance of Indian Railways during 2025–26. The announcement also continues the established practice of providing an annual productivity-linked reward to eligible non-gazetted railway personnel ahead of the major festive season.
