Representative image (Ramesh Pathania/Mint via Getty Images)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
An Appeal...
Dear Reader,
As you are no doubt aware, Swarajya is a media product that is directly dependent on support from its readers in the form of subscriptions. We do not have the muscle and backing of a large media conglomerate nor are we playing for the large advertisement sweep-stake.
Our business model is you and your subscription. And in challenging times like these, we need your support now more than ever.
We deliver over 10 - 15 high quality articles with expert insights and views. From 7AM in the morning to 10PM late night we operate to ensure you, the reader, get to see what is just right.
Becoming a Patron or a subscriber for as little as Rs 1200/year is the best way you can support our efforts.