New Delhi, Oct. 29 -- The Ministry of Railways has announced the revision of Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) rates for contract workers engaged in various employments and activities, effective 1 October 2026.

The Railway Board issued a letter dated 28 October, referring to the Labour Bureau's revised VDA order dated 30 September, and directing railway authorities to ensure strict compliance with the prescribed minimum wage rates.

According to the Railway Board's letter, the revised rates apply to contract workers engaged in the following employments:

The applicable wage rate depends on the employment category, skill level and area classification.

The Labour Bureau's order revised the allowance based on the average Consumer Price Ind...