Indian Railways Increases Kilometrage Allowance for Running Staff Effective January 2024
Revised Allowances for Indian Railways Staff
Starting January 1, 2024, Indian Railways will implement new rates for Kilometrage Allowance (KMA) and Allowance in lieu of Kilometrage (ALK) for its operational staff. This adjustment follows the Dearness Allowance surpassing the 50% threshold and was communicated through a Railway Board letter dated March 20, 2026, in accordance with the Railway Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 2016. As reported by a leading news outlet, this change comes in response to persistent requests from recognized unions, including the All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) and the National Federation of Indian Railwaymen (NFIR). The proposal underwent review with the Finance Directorate before being sent to the Ministry of Finance for approval.
Who Will Benefit from the New Allowances?
The updated allowances will benefit a broad spectrum of running staff, such as loco pilots, assistant loco pilots, firemen, guards, and other operational workers. An official highlighted that these new rates will support 'thousands of dedicated loco pilots and other running staff who ensure the smooth operation of India’s extensive rail network around the clock.'
Under the revised structure, loco running staff will see an increase in kilometrage allowance per 100 km and ALK per 160 km. For instance, a Loco Pilot (Mail) will now earn Rs 606 per 100 km and Rs 969 as ALK, while a Loco Pilot (Passenger) will receive Rs 600 and Rs 960, respectively. Assistant Loco Pilots and firemen will also experience similar proportional increases.
For traffic running staff, the new rates include Rs 549 per 100 km and Rs 878 ALK for Mail/Express Guards (now referred to as Train Managers), Rs 543 and Rs 869 for Senior Passenger and Goods Guards, and Rs 305 and Rs 488 for Assistant Guards.
Despite these adjustments, the Railways confirmed that all other conditions related to the eligibility for these allowances will remain unchanged. This initiative aims to align compensation with the increased DA and enhance the financial situation for running staff. Officials noted that this revision underscores Indian Railways’ dedication to employee welfare and recognizes the essential role of running staff in sustaining continuous operations across the national rail network.