In a major Diwali-Dussehra gift to lakhs of railway employees, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the payment of a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 78 days’ wages for the financial year 2024-25. The total payout will amount to ₹1,865.68 crore, benefitting over 10.91 lakh non-gazetted railway employees across India.
The PLB is a yearly performance-based incentive given to railway staff ahead of the Durga Puja and Dussehra festivals. It aims to reward employees for their contribution to improving the efficiency, performance, and profitability of Indian Railways — one of the largest employers in the country.
Bonus Details and Eligibility
The maximum bonus amount payable to each eligible railway employee will be ₹17,951, calculated on the basis of 78 days’ wages. The scheme covers a wide range of non-gazetted staff, including track maintainers, loco pilots, train managers (guards), station masters, supervisors, technicians, helpers, pointsmen, ministerial staff, and other Group ‘C’ employees.
By incentivising workers through PLB, the government hopes to further boost morale, enhance productivity, and encourage continued improvements in railway services.
Record-Breaking Performance in 2024-25
The decision to grant a 78-day PLB comes on the back of Indian Railways’ remarkable performance during 2024-25. The national transporter achieved record freight loading of 1,614.90 million tonnes, contributing significantly to the country’s logistics and industrial growth. Additionally, nearly 7.3 billion passengers were carried during the same period — a clear indicator of increased operational efficiency and passenger trust.
These achievements underline the critical role of railway employees in sustaining and advancing the network’s performance.
Boost to Festive Spirit and Motivation
The PLB serves not just as a financial reward but also as a morale booster, arriving just before the festive season. It reflects the government’s commitment to recognising the hard work of railway employees and ensuring they share in the organisation’s success.
With this bonus, the government hopes to maintain momentum in operational excellence and service delivery, positioning Indian Railways as a stronger backbone of India’s transport and economic infrastructure in the years to come.
