NEW DELHI: 7th pay commission: The end of financial year 2025-18 brought a good news for lakhs of Railways employees, as the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), citing Seventh Pay Commission recommendation, said that they can now avail Leave Travel Concession (LTC).
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7th Pay Commission: Indian Railways staff get Good News on LTC now
The Ministry said, “The matter has been considered in this department in consultation with Ministry of Railways. It has been decided that Railway employees may be allowed to avail all-India LTC once in a block of four years.”
However, it added, “The ‘All-India LTC’ will be purely optional for Railway employees”.
According to a circular issued by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) on March 27, the ministry said as per existing LTC instructions, government servants and their spouses, working in Indian Railways, are not entitled for the facility of LTC as the facility of “Free Pass” is available to them.
However, 7th Pay Commission recommended that they be included in the LTC fold.
The Ministry said that Railways employees, however, shall continue to be governed by the Railway Servants (Pass) Rules and availing of the “All India LTC” under the CCS (LTC) Rules by them will be facilitated through a special order under the relevant provision of the said Pass Rules. The DoPT order reportedly stated that railway employees will not be eligible for “Home Town LTC” and will have to surrender the Privilege Passes (concessional or free tickets) admissible to them in the calendar year in which they intend to avail the LTC facility.
Further, the order said the Railway employees would continue to be eligible for other kinds of passes such as the duty pass, school pass and special passes on medical grounds, as admissible under the pass rules.
It also clarified that if a Railways employee has already availed of a Privilege Pass, then LTC will not be allowed in that year. Further, the Indian Railways employees on deputation to any other organisation, including railway PSUs, would also continue to be eligible for optional LTC in lieu of Privilege Pass entitlement, the order added.
Here’s the latest on the 7th Pay Commission and recent LTC (Leave Travel Concession) benefits for Indian Railways and other Central Government staff:
🎉 Great News for LTC Users: Tejas, Vande Bharat & Humsafar Now Covered
On January 15, 2025, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued a directive stating that Central Government employees eligible for LTC can now travel by premium trains such as Tejas Express, Vande Bharat Express, and Humsafar Express—in addition to the previously permitted Capital, Shatabdi, and Duronto trains. All eligible ticket costs will be reimbursed, as usual, under LTC rules
✅ Additional LTC Rule Updates (August 2025)
1. Catering Charges Reimbursed
Employees opting for official catering services during LTC rail journeys are now eligible for reimbursement of catering fees
2. Cancellation Charges Covered
In case of LTC-related ticket cancellations, both airline and authorized travel agent cancellation fees are reimbursable, provided the cancellation is for official reasons
3. Booking Flexibility
Employees not entitled to air travel no longer need to book through the three specific authorized travel agencies (IRCTC, BLCL, ATT). Reimbursement will be limited to the cheapest fare on the shortest route by train or bus. However, for travel to the Northeast, J&K, Ladakh, or Andaman & Nicobar Islands, booking via authorized agents remains mandatory if opting for air travel under Special Dispensation Scheme
📊 LTC Structure Under 7th Pay Commission
- Four‑year block scheme: Up to 4 LTCs—typically 3 Home Town visits and 1 “All India” visit.
- For Railway staff and their spouses, only one “All India” LTC is permitted per block—no hometown LTC allowed.
- For the first two service blocks, Railway employees can avail all four LTC opportunities (i.e., three home + one all‑India), since they are considered new recruits
From 2025 onward, LTC timelines for home town substitution for travel to NER, J&K & A&N Islands have been extended through September 2026
🧾 Summary Table
| Update | Details / Benefits |
|---|---|
| ✅ Premium Train Eligibility | LTC travel now includes Tejas, Vande Bharat & Humsafar (not just Capital/Shatabdi) |
| 🍽️ Catering Charges Reimbursed | If opted during rail travel under LTC |
| ✈️ Cancellation Charges Covered | Both airline and travel agent fees reimbursable for official cancellation |
| 🎟️ Flexibility in Booking | No need to book via authorized agents if not entitled to air travel (excluding NER, J&K, A&N) |
| 🛑 LTC Structure | Railway employees have only 1 “All-India” LTC per block (no hometown LTC after block 2) |
| 🗓️ LTC Validity Extension | Special substitution corridors valid until September 25, 2026 |
🧭 Why It Matters
- Employee convenience improved: Premium train options bring faster travel and comfort within LTC allowances.
- Official costs are better covered, including catering and cancellation fees where applicable.
- Booking flexibility helps employees choose cost-effective and convenient options, except in exempt zones.
- LTC structure clarity ensures Railway staff leverage benefits optimally within policy framework.
Would you like detailed steps on how to claim LTC for premium train travel, guidelines to make catering claims, or how cancellation reimbursements are processed?