The Indian Railways is one of the world's largest railway networks and one of India's biggest employers with 1.4 million people as workforce. There are many advantages of a job in the Railways. Firstly, since it is a government job, along with the basic pay, employees also enjoy the benefits of Grade Pay, Dearness Allowance, Travel Allowance, House Rent Allowance. With 7th Pay Commission around the corner, salaries are also likely to rise significantly.
Railways offer residential quarters to its employees within railway colonies. These quarters provide all the basic amenities and facilities required. Almost 44% of Indian Railways employees stay in these Railway Colonies.
The jobs may not offer salaries that blue chip companies do but they value employees more. The Indian Railways offer unparalleled security to its employees. If you have been hired, it is almost certain that it is for a long time.
The Indian Railways offers pension to its employees which means financial security for a lifetime. After a railway employee's demise, the family continues to get the pension.
Indian Railways have their own schools and colleges where you can educate your children free of cost. Private schools are expensive and free education is no less than a relief.
Railway employees and their families are entitled to free medical facilities. In some cases, Railways also pays for medical treatment at other hospitals.
In case of an employee's death while in service period, a family member is entitled to get a job on compassionate grounds. This ensures financial security for the family.
Employees and their families get free rail passes to travel to any part of India.
Railway jobs are recession proof. Employees don't experience pay cuts just because the economy is going through a rough patch.
The Railways carries training programme at all levels. Over 3.2 lakh staff members and over 7500 officers undergo training every year. Employees are sent to the best educational institutes in India, or abroad, for training commensurate with their professional position.