Prayagraj, May 25: Indian Railways has announced exciting news for its employees. The Railway Board has released a list of 155 modern trains, including Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, and Tejas, as well as the Prayagraj Express, Mahabodhi, Shivganga, and Shramshakti Express. Previously, these trains were not classified as high-speed, which hindered employees from receiving special allowances.
Under the new guidelines, the mileage rate for loco pilots has been increased from Rs 485 per 100 kilometers to Rs 606. For guards, the rate has risen from Rs 439 to Rs 549. Railway officials emphasize that operating trains at speeds of 130 to 160 kilometers per hour is a demanding task that requires intense focus, making this allowance a recognition of the employees’ exceptional performance.
CPRO Shashikant Tripathi confirmed that several trains, including the Prayagraj Express, have now been included in the high-speed category. Additionally, allowances for running staff have been increased. In response to the growing number of electric vehicles and rising fuel prices, North Central Railway is also taking significant steps to support e-vehicle drivers. Preparations are underway to establish electric vehicle charging stations at various railway stations.
Tenders have been issued for this initiative. Charging stations will be constructed at major stations in the Prayagraj division, including Naini, Manikpur, Chunar, and Chheoki Railway Stations. At Naini station, the charging station will be located on Jail Road, while at Chheoki, it will be situated near the RTO office.
Officials indicate that the adjustments in mileage rates and trip allowances could boost the monthly earnings of running staff by Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. CPRO Shashikant Tripathi noted that operating trains at high speeds demands significant mental effort and concentration, and this allowance acknowledges that specialized skill.
Moreover, the quality of passenger services is set to improve. North Central Railway is planning to install a state-of-the-art mechanized laundry at the Prayagraj KCNB Coaching Depot. An e-tender worth approximately Rs 70.71 crore has been issued for this project. The laundry, operating on a boot model for the next decade, will ensure that linens used in trains—such as bedsheets, blankets, pillow covers, and towels—are washed using advanced machinery. This initiative aims to provide passengers with cleaner and higher-quality linen than ever before.
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