8th Pay Commission news: 6 key demands by Railway employees' body on pay, allowances
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8th Pay Commission: 6 key demands by Railway employees' body
The All India Railwaymen's Federation (AIRF) has sought higher minimum wages, better promotional prospects and additional allowances for railway employees in its presentation to the 8th Pay Commission.
In a meeting with the 8th Pay Commission on October 30, 2026, the federation also highlighted the working conditions and challenges faced by track maintainers, female loco pilots and train managers. AIRF general secretary Shiva Gopal Mishra shared these recommendations in a letter to affiliated units.
In a meeting with the 8th Pay Commission on October 30, 2026, the federation also highlighted the working conditions and challenges faced by track maintainers, female loco pilots and train managers. AIRF general secretary Shiva Gopal Mishra shared these recommendations in a letter to affiliated units.
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Higher pay scales to match railway modernisation
Describing Indian Railways as the ‘second line of defence’ after the Indian Army, AIRF argued that railway employees deserve higher pay scales. The federation said railway workers serve the nation during natural calamities, war-like situations and pandemics.
It also highlighted the fast-paced modernisation of Railways, arguing that highly trained employees responsible for maintaining rolling stock, signalling systems and tracks should receive better pay.
It also highlighted the fast-paced modernisation of Railways, arguing that highly trained employees responsible for maintaining rolling stock, signalling systems and tracks should receive better pay.
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Risk and hardship allowance for railway employees
AIRF has demanded special allowances for railway employees working in difficult and hazardous conditions. Citing casualties and grievous injuries during service, the federation has sought:
● Risk and hardship allowance
● Hazardous duty allowance
● Hill allowance
● Dress allowance
These benefits are sought for employees whose duties involve significant occupational risks and difficult working conditions.
● Risk and hardship allowance
● Hazardous duty allowance
● Hill allowance
● Dress allowance
These benefits are sought for employees whose duties involve significant occupational risks and difficult working conditions.
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Track maintainers should get treatment at par with technicians
AIRF has demanded that track maintainers be treated at par with technicians from other engineering disciplines within Indian Railways. The federation highlighted the tough and hazardous nature of track maintenance work and called for better recognition of their duties and working conditions.
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Merge certain intermediate pay scales
AIRF has recommended merging certain intermediate pay scales into a single pay scale. The objective is to improve promotional prospects for railway employees and address difficulties arising from the existing pay-scale structure.
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Better allowances for different categories of Railway employees
AIRF has sought adequate allowances based on the risks and hardships associated with different railway jobs. The federation has specifically requested:
● Risk and hardship allowance for employees in difficult working conditions.
● Hazardous duty allowance for employees performing risky tasks.
● Hill allowance for employees working in difficult terrain.
● Adequate dress allowance for all railway technicians.
The demands highlight the need to recognise differences in working conditions across employee categories.
● Risk and hardship allowance for employees in difficult working conditions.
● Hazardous duty allowance for employees performing risky tasks.
● Hill allowance for employees working in difficult terrain.
● Adequate dress allowance for all railway technicians.
The demands highlight the need to recognise differences in working conditions across employee categories.