New Delhi : The Union Cabinet has approved the Railway Staff Bonus Diwali, granting a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) worth Rs 1,866 crore to over 10.90 lakh railway employees across the country ahead of the festive season.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the bonus, equivalent to 78 days of wages, recognises the dedicated efforts of railway staff in maintaining smooth operations and improving efficiency.
“The PLB payment acts as an incentive to motivate railway employees to improve the performance of the Railways,” a Cabinet note said.
According to the note, the maximum PLB amount, equivalent to 78 days’ wages for each eligible employee, is Rs 17,951. The government will pay this amount to various railway staff categories, including track maintainers, loco pilots, train managers (guards), station masters, supervisors, technicians, technician helpers, pointsmen, ministerial staff, and other Group ‘C’ employees.
“The Railways performed exceptionally well in 2024-25. We loaded a record 1,614.90 million tonnes of cargo and carried nearly 7.3 billion passengers,” the Cabinet highlighted.
Last year, the government cleared a similar payout of Rs 2,029 crore, benefiting more than 11.7 lakh employees.
The Railways Minister also announced that the long-awaited Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will launch soon. Briefing the media on Tuesday, he said the first train has completed all required tests and is stationed at Delhi’s Shakur Basti Coaching Depot, while the second train is expected to be ready by mid-October.
“Both trains will launch together to ensure continuity of overnight services,” Vaishnaw added.
Manufactured by BEML using Integral Coach Factory technology, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will feature 16 coaches segmented into AC First Class, AC 2-Tier, and AC 3-Tier. With a top speed of 180 kmph, it will become one of the fastest overnight trains in India, carrying up to 1,128 passengers.
The train will offer modern amenities such as reading lights with USB ports, automated announcements, modular pantries, security cameras, and disabled-friendly facilities. Officials expect the new sleeper service may debut on the New Delhi-Patna route, particularly with the Bihar Assembly elections approaching later this year.
–IANS
