New Delhi. Railways has announced increase in the rates of Kilometer Allowance and Allowance in Lieu of Kilometer Allowance (ALK) for Loco Pilot, Assistant Loco Pilot, Guard. The Railway Ministry on Sunday said the move is aimed at strengthening employee welfare and improving remuneration of frontline workers who ensure the smooth functioning of the country’s rail network. The increased rates will be effective from January, 2024.
This will benefit thousands of loco pilots, assistant loco pilots, guards, firemen and other operational staff. According to the official statement, both loco running staff and traffic running staff have been included in this amendment. These employees play an important role in keeping the trains running round the clock.
According to the Railways, under the new structure, all categories of loco pilots (mail, passenger, goods and shunting) as well as assistant loco pilots and firemen will get higher kilometer allowance every 100 km and corresponding ALK every 160 km. This will significantly increase the income from operating duty.
Similarly, traffic running staff including mail/express guards, passenger and goods guards, as well as assistant guards and brakesmen (now called train managers) will also benefit from the new rates of allowance. Railways has expressed hope that this step will provide financial assistance to the employees engaged in continuous and difficult train operations, and their salaries will be fixed as per the existing dearness allowance.
The ministry said the new rates are being implemented under the Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016, and all existing terms and conditions to eligibility for kilometer allowance and ALK will remain the same. The ministry said the decision reflects the organisation’s continued commitment towards the welfare and economic well-being of its running staff (who are often considered the backbone of railway operations).
Officials said that this change not only recognizes the important contribution of the running staff, but also increases their morale and efficiency in the entire system. With this move, Indian Railways has further strengthened its focus on employee-centric policies and ensured that the pay structure remains in line with the changing economic conditions.
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