Indian Railways strengthens the pockets of its footsoldiers, with updated allowance rates

Indian Railways has reportedly made a comprehensive upward revision in the rates of Kilometrage Allowance and Allowance in lieu of Kilometrage (ALK) for all running staff across the system, with effect from 1 January 2024, following the increase in Dearness Allowance to 50 percent, a release says.

These enhanced rates will benefit thousands of dedicated Loco Pilots, Assistant Loco Pilots, Firemen, Guards, and other running staff who keep the wheels of India’s vast rail network turning round the clock.

Under the revised structure, Loco Running Staff will receive updated kilometrage allowance per 100 km and ALK per 160 km as follows: Loco Pilot (Mail) ₹606 and ₹969; Loco Pilot (Passenger)/Senior Motorman ₹600 and ₹960; Loco Pilot (Goods) ₹594 and ₹951; Loco Pilot (Shunting) Gr. I ₹461 and ₹737; Loco Pilot (Shunting) Gr. II ₹447 and ₹715; Sr. FM-1, Sr. Assistant Loco Pilot ₹447 (₹287 for shunting) and ₹715; FM-1, Assistant Loco Pilot ₹430 (₹277 for shunting) and ₹688; Sr. Second Fireman ₹430 (₹277 for shunting) and ₹688; and Second Fireman ₹362 (₹216 for shunting) and ₹579.

Similarly, Traffic Running Staff will receive revised rates as follows: Mail/Express Guard ₹549 and ₹878; Sr. Passenger Guard ₹543 and ₹869; Sr. Goods Guard ₹543 and ₹869; Goods Guard ₹537 and ₹859; Sr. Assistant Guard/Sr. Brakesman ₹320 and ₹512; and Assistant Guard/Brakesman ₹305 and ₹488. (The post of Guard has been re-designated as Train Manager)

The revised rates are applicable under the Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016, while all other terms and conditions for admissibility of Kilometrage Allowance and ALK remain unchanged.

The revision will benefit running staff across Indian Railways by ensuring better compensation aligned with the current Dearness Allowance levels.