New Delhi: Effective from January 2024, indian railways has increased kilometer allowance and alternative kilometer allowance (ALK) rates by 25% for all operating personnel within its system. The updated rates will benefit over two lakh railway personnel including nose pilots, assistant nose pilots, firemen, guards and other operational staff. The decision was taken after increasing the affection allowance to 50%.While other employees of Indian Railways had earlier received increased travel allowance, the kilometer allowance has so far remained stagnant, leading to dissatisfaction among those affected. The issue was raised by the All India Locomotive Operators Association and the Railway Federation.“The revision will ensure better remuneration for Indian Railways’ operating staff, in line with current benefit levels. This reflects Indian Railways’ ongoing commitment to operational staff welfare and financial improvement that form the backbone of its operations,” an official statement said. N.N.
