1. The issue of carrer Progression and working conditions of Trackmen on Railways has been regularly been raised at various fora from time to time in the past through both the recognized Federations. Accordingly, Joint Committee comprising representatives of both recognized Federations and Senior Administrative Grade Officers (SAG) of Railway Board was constituted to consider Career Progression of Trackmen alongwith review of their existing channel of promotion, allowances etc. Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) have considered the report of the committee and have decided to extend the benefit of Special Allowance @ Rs. 375 per month which at present is admissible to only those Gatekeepers (now designated as Track Maintainer) who are posted at Civil Engineering Level Crossings identified as difficult, to Track Maintainer deployed for manning any of the Engineering Gates.
2. The rates of the Special Allowance in future would increase by 25% every time the Dearness Allowance payable on revised pay scales goes up by 50%.
3. These orders would be effective from the date of issue of these orders.
4. This has the sanction of the President and issues with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.