Indian Railways Cares For Its Lifeline: To More Than Double Running Allowance Of Loco Pilots And Guards

Indian Railways has announced that it will double the running allowance of railway guards, loco pilots and assistant loco pilots, raising it from Rs 255 per 100 km, to Rs 520, reports Press Trust of India (PTI).

This increase in allowance is expected to impose an additional burden of Rs 1,225 crore on India’s national transporter and enhance its operating ratio by 2.5 per cent.

“The running staff had been demanding the increase for the past four years. While the allowances for other employees had been increased on 1 July 2017, their hike was pending. This is a new year gift from the railways to its staff. However, this will be a huge burden on railways as it will increase the operating ratio by around 2.5 per cent,” the story quoted a source.

Railways is also expected to clear its dues of Rs 4,500 crore for the period from 1 July 2017 to December 2018.

Some of the other perks/facilities available to railway employees are Medical Allowance, Travel Allowance, Educational Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Railway Duty Pass and Festival Bonus.

Something For Passengers Too

It was earlier reported that the Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has asked ministry officials to evolve a system, on the lines of air-ticket booking mechanism, to enable people to know the details of the vacant seats or berths in the train.

Also Read: In Pictures: Tirupati Gets ‘5-Star’ Treatment From Indian Railways, Launches Premium Station Lounge