Download the brief of AIRF’s interaction with 8th CPC
The All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) met the 8th Central Pay Commission on 30 October 2026 to present demands related to salaries, allowances, working conditions and promotion opportunities for railway employees.
According to AIRF’s official letter, the federation held a two-hour meeting with the Commission, covering minimum wages, higher pay scales, Risk and Hardship Allowance and the problems faced by different categories of railway employees.
The meeting was an opportunity to present employee demands. No revised salary, fitment factor or allowance increase was approved in the letter.
The meeting was attended by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, Chairperson of the 8th Pay Commission, along with Member Professor Pulak Ghosh and Member-Secretary Pankaj Jain.
AIRF representatives presented their concerns directly to the Commission.
What Did AIRF Demand from the 8th Pay Commission?
AIRF requested better salaries and allowances for railway employees, considering the nature of their duties and working conditions.
The federation argued that many railway employees work in difficult conditions and perform technically demanding jobs.
Why Did AIRF Ask for Better Pay and Allowances?
AIRF explained that Indian Railways operates 24 hours a day throughout the year, including during extreme weather and emergencies.
The federation highlighted the risks faced by employees responsible for railway operations, track maintenance, signalling and technical systems.
It also described Indian Railways as the “Second Line of Defence”, referring to its role in transporting personnel and essential supplies during national emergencies, natural disasters and war-like situations.
AIRF used these working conditions to support its demand for higher pay scales and appropriate allowances.
Which Railway Employees Were Discussed?
The Commission allotted two hours for AIRF’s presentation, divided into four parts.
AIRF also raised specific concerns for different employee groups.
Loco Pilots and Running Staff: Their working conditions and service-related issues were presented to the Commission.
Track Maintainers: AIRF highlighted the dangerous and increasingly technical nature of track maintenance. It requested specific allowances for Track Maintainers, Patrolmen, Keymen and Gatemen.
Railway Technicians: The federation demanded better pay scales, suitable Risk and Hardship Allowance and improved Dress Allowance. It also proposed merging certain intermediate pay scales to improve promotion opportunities.
Women Railway Employees: Female representatives discussed difficulties faced by women Loco Pilots, Assistant Loco Pilots, Train Managers and Track Maintainers.
Did the 8th Pay Commission Approve Any Salary Increase?
The AIRF letter confirms that employee demands were discussed, but it does not announce any decision on revised pay or allowances.
AIRF described the interaction as positive and expressed hope that the Commission would seriously consider its demands.
However, a positive meeting does not mean the requested benefits have been sanctioned.
What does this mean for Central Government Employees and Pensioners?
The demands relating to minimum wage and pay structures are relevant to the wider discussion surrounding the 8th Central Pay Commission.
However, several issues raised during the meeting are specific to Indian Railways.
The letter does not provide any decision concerning defence pensions, Military Service Pay (MSP), OROP or pension revision for retired Central Government employees.
Employees and pensioners must therefore wait for the Commission’s recommendations and the Government’s subsequent decisions before treating any proposed increase as an approved benefit.
Conclusion
AIRF’s meeting with the 8th Central Pay Commission on 30 October 2026 was an important opportunity for railway employees to present their concerns.
The federation sought better pay scales, appropriate allowances and improved career opportunities, particularly for employees performing risky and technical duties.
The demands have been submitted for consideration, but the letter does not announce any approved pay revision.
All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF)
Subject: Brief of AIRF’s Interaction with the 8th Central Pay Commission
Letter No.: AIRF/8th CPC
Date: 30 October 2026
Issued by: Shiva Gopal Mishra, General Secretary, AIRF
Read the Official AIRF Letter — 30 October 2026
Source clarification: This article is based on AIRF’s two-page communication dated 30 October 2026. The demands represent the federation’s submissions, not approved Government decisions.
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