How much salary does a loco pilot earn in the Indian Railways? Find out what government benefits they receive.

The job of a loco pilot in the Indian Railways is certainly full of responsibility, but it also comes with an attractive salary and benefits. Let's learn more.

Millions of passengers travel by train every day, and locomotive pilots are responsible for ensuring their safe journey to their destination. Loco pilots are also commonly known as train drivers, but their responsibilities extend beyond simply driving trains. They must also carefully monitor signals, track conditions, and safety regulations. Consequently, people often wonder how much salary a loco pilot, who shoulders such a significant responsibility, receives and what benefits are provided to them. Let's understand.

How much salary?

A typical starting position in the Railways is that of an assistant loco pilot. According to the Seventh Pay Commission, the starting basic salary of an Assistant Loco Pilot is approximately ₹19,900 per month. After gaining experience and promotion, employees become Senior Loco Pilots, earning a basic salary of ₹35,000 to ₹60,000 or more. In addition to the basic salary, various allowances are added, bringing the total in-hand salary to around ₹40,000 to ₹80,000 per month.

What allowances are available?

Loco pilot salaries include various additional allowances, such as dearness allowance (DA), house rent allowance (HRA), transport allowance, night duty allowance, overtime pay, and running allowance (based on the number of kilometers traveled). These allowances significantly increase the total salary. Loco pilots working on long-distance trains receive a higher salary than the running allowance.

What are the benefits?

In addition to salary, railway employees are also provided with several important benefits: free or subsidized rail travel, government housing where available, medical facilities at railway hospitals, pension and gratuity, and special benefits for children's education. These benefits make this job secure and stable.

What are the work and duty hours like?

Loco pilots work in shifts, day or night. Sometimes they have to drive trains for hours at a stretch. The responsibility increases even more on long-distance trains. They have to remain vigilant at all times, as the safety of thousands of passengers is in their hands. Therefore, rigorous training and medical fitness are mandatory for this position. Regular check-ups are conducted for eyesight, hearing, and mental balance.