Railway finances to take Rs 20.44-bn hit as govt clears bonus for employees

At close to 98%, the Railways' operating ratio is also expected to be the worst ever this financial year

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday cleared 78 days’ productivity-linked bonus (PLB) for 1,191,000 non-gazetted railway officials, which will cost the railway exchequer Rs 20.44 billion. 

The wage calculation ceiling prescribed for payment of PLB to the eligible non-gazetted railway employees is Rs 7,000 per month. The maximum amount payable per eligible railway employee is Rs 17,951 for 78 days, said a government statement. 

Payment of PLB to eligible railway employees is made each year before the Puja holidays. The decision of the Cabinet shall be implemented before the holidays for this year as well. This comes at a time when the Union