8th Pay Commission Railway Update: Revised Risk Allowance and NDA Rates for 2026
Union News Desk | January 9, 2026
Indian Railways, the country’s largest employer, is at the heart of the 8th Pay Commission (8th CPC) rollout. As of January 9, 2026, the AIRF and NFIR have escalated their demands for a specific hike in “Hardship Allowances” for the frontline staff, including Track Maintainers, Pointsmen, and Loco Pilots.
1. Risk Allowance Hike: 25% Increase Confirmed?
Following the 60% DA milestone in January 2026, the Risk Allowance for categories like Track Maintainers and Semiskilled staff has seen a mandatory 25% jump. Under the 8th CPC proposals, the unions are pushing for this to be further doubled to match the “high-risk” nature of modern railway operations.
The ₹32,500 Minimum Pay Demand:
The NFIR has formally justified a minimum pay of ₹32,500 per month based on the Dr. Akroyd Formula. If accepted, this will replace the current ₹18,000 baseline, providing a massive boost to Group ‘D’ staff.
2. Night Duty Allowance (NDA) Ceiling Removal
A major win for Railway employees in 2026 is the potential removal of the salary ceiling for Night Duty Allowance. Previously capped at a basic pay of ₹43,600, the 8th CPC is expected to allow all staff, regardless of their pay level, to claim NDA based on their actual basic pay.
3. Running Staff: 30% Pay Element Fixation
For Loco Pilots and Guards, the 30% Pay Element used for retirement and DA calculation is a critical issue. The 8th Pay Commission is reviewing a proposal to increase this to **35%**, citing the increased workload from high-speed trains like Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Express.
Calculate your new Railway Salary with revised Risk Allowance: