The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved 78 days’ Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) for eligible Railway employees for 2025-26. The decision will benefit 11,40,770 employees, with a total financial outgo of ₹2,009.61 crore.
The maximum amount payable to an eligible Railway employee for 78 days is ₹17,951. The Government said the bonus recognises the strong performance of Railway staff during 2025-26.
Who will receive the 78-day Railway bonus?
According to the official Cabinet announcement, the PLB will be paid to around 11.40 lakh non-gazetted Railway employees.
The payment is linked to the applicable PLB rules and eligibility conditions.
How much bonus will an employee get?
The Cabinet has approved PLB equivalent to 78 days’ wages, subject to a maximum payment of ₹17,951 per eligible employee.
This distinction is important. It should not be interpreted as every employee receiving his or her complete actual salary for 78 days without a ceiling.
Maximum PLB payable: ₹17,951
Total Government outgo: ₹2,009.61 crore
Beneficiaries: 11,40,770 Railway employees
Why has the Government approved the PLB?
The Government has linked the bonus to the performance of Indian Railways during 2025-26.
According to the Ministry of Railways:
- Railways loaded a record 1,670 million tonnes of freight
- Nearly 7.41 billion passengers were carried during the year
The Government said PLB is intended to recognise Railway employees’ contribution and encourage continued improvement in Railway performance.
When is Railway PLB normally paid?
The official release states that Productivity Linked Bonus is paid to eligible Railway employees each year before the Durga Puja/Dussehra holidays.
The 2026 Cabinet decision continues that practice.
Has DA/DR also been announced with the Railway bonus?
No.
The 14 October Cabinet decision is specifically for Railway Productivity Linked Bonus.
It does not announce:
- a fresh July 2026 Dearness Allowance increase for Central Government employees;
- Dearness Relief revision for pensioners;
- or Non-Productivity Linked Bonus for Defence personnel and other eligible Central Government employees.
These are separate matters requiring separate Government decisions/orders.
Therefore, the Railway PLB announcement should not be treated as confirmation of a fresh DA/DR or Defence Non-PLB Bonus.
What Railway employees should know?
The confirmed position is straightforward:
78 days PLB has been approved.
11,40,770 Railway employees will benefit.
Maximum payment is ₹17,951.
Total expenditure will be ₹2,009.61 crore.
For Central Government employees, defence personnel and pensioners waiting for separate DA/DR or Non-PLB Bonus announcements, the Railway decision does not itself change those benefits.
Sources
Press Information Bureau — Cabinet approves Productivity Linked Bonus for 78 days to Railway Employees, 14 October 2026
Open Official PIB Cabinet Release
Ministry of Railways / PIB — 78 Days PLB for Railway Employees
Open Official Ministry of Railways Release
Prime Minister of India — Cabinet Decision
Open PM India Official Update
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