Indian Railways: On the occasion of Navratri 2026, good news has emerged for lakhs of Indian Railways running staff (locomotive pilots and guards). Recently, a 50 percent hike in Dearness allowance (DA) was announced. Now, an in-principle approval for an increase of 25 percent has been granted by Railways in the Minimum Guaranteed Kilometerage Allowance (KMA), according to Shiv Gopal Mishra, General Secretary of the All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF).
Mishra remarked that the development is a result of long-standing struggle and unity among the employees of Indian Railways. The AIRF General Secretary said he recently had a discussion with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and raised the issue. The Railways Minister assured Mishra that orders for the same would soon be issued for the benefit of locomotive pilots and guards.
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Indian Railways-What is Kilometerage Allowance (KMA)?
Kilometerage Allowance (KMA) is provided to employees who are posted on running duties, i.e., those operating trains. Unlike regular office staff, running-staff employees who travel continuously during their duty are not entitled to receive a daily allowance (DA). Therefore, a fixed amount for every 100 kilometres travelled is paid to them. This includes a minimum guaranteed Kilometerage Allowance.
KMA is decided by the Indian Ministry of Railways via bilateral discussions with the concurrence of the Ministry of Finance and the Railway Federations (National Federation of Indian Railwaymen and All India Railwaymen’s Federation).
When Will The Order Be Issued?
The Railway Board is likely to issue an official order on the matter within the next 1-2 business days. In a post, AIRF General Secretary said this is a long-awaited and important victory for running staff members. The 25 increase in KMA for them has now been secured.
