Have bonus letters for railway employees actually been issued? The government has provided a major update..

A letter regarding a bonus for railway employees for the year 2025-26 is circulating on social media. It claims that the Railway Board has decided to grant a Productivity Linked Bonus (PLB) equivalent to 78 days' wages to eligible non-gazetted employees. The letter specifies the bonus amount as ₹41,149 and cites the Railway Board's name and an official reference number. However, before believing this letter, it is important to know the facts.

In reality, this letter is fake. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) Fact Check team flagged this letter on October 8. The Railway Board has clarified that it has issued no such order. Consequently, employees should not expect a bonus based on this letter. For accurate information regarding bonuses, one should rely solely on orders issued through the official channels of the Ministry of Railways and the Railway Board.

What does the viral letter claim?

The letter circulating on social media and messaging platforms bears the Railway Board Establishment (RBE) number 101/2026 and is dated October 6. It claims that eligible non-gazetted railway employees will receive a bonus equivalent to 78 days' wages for the 2025-26 financial year.

It states the bonus amount as ₹41,149. This document, which resembles an official government order, could create confusion among employees. However, the mere presence of a government department's name, a reference number, or a date does not make a letter authentic. Therefore, verifying such documents is essential.

What did the Railway Board and PIB say?

Employees have been advised to rely only on official sources for information regarding bonuses.

The PIB Fact Check team declared the viral letter fake on October 8. The Railway Board has also clarified that it has not issued any such letter regarding the 2025-26 bonus. Therefore, the claims made in the viral documents should not be considered an official announcement. The PIB has urged the public neither to believe this fake letter nor to share it further. Any information regarding the bonus should be verified through the official channels of the Ministry of Railways or the Railway Board.

**What to keep in mind**

If you receive this letter regarding the 78-day bonus on WhatsApp or any other social media platform, do not forward it without verification. First, confirm the details through the official channels of the concerned department. Wait for an official order regarding the bonus amount, payment date, and eligibility criteria. Do not assume that the bonus has been announced or that payment is imminent based solely on a viral message.

**Where to report fake government news?**

According to a CNBC report, if you receive a fake letter or message purportedly from the Central Government, you can contact the PIB Fact Check team. The following channels are available for this:
WhatsApp: 8799711259
Email: [factcheck@pib.gov.in](mailto:factcheck@pib.gov.in)

Railway employees are advised to verify news related to bonuses and other government schemes before believing it. This helps prevent the spread of misinformation and avoids unnecessary confusion.

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