Indian Railway-Retirement Formalities Through Virtual Means

Indian Railway-Retirement Formalities Through Virtual Means

Government of India
Ministry of Railways
(Railway Board)

No.2025/RB (W)/5/7

Dated 21.07.2025

The General Managers, All Indian Railways & PUs
DGs/Directors, NAIR/RDSQ/CTIs
CAOs, DMW/Patiala & RWP/Bela

(Kind Attn: PCPOs/CPOs)

Sub: Retirement formalities through virtual means.

In the Railway Board on the last working day of every month a retirement function is organized for the retirees. Such functions are also organized at the Zonal Divisional Level, PUs, and Workshops etc. Off late due to the spread of COVID-19, these functions are not being held with physical gatherings.

2. It is felt that such retirement function could henceforth be held through Video Conferencing on the last working day of every month at 17:00 hours on an all India basis. All the Zonal Headquarters, Divisional Headquarters, Training Institutes and Workshops / PUs could participate to the extent possible by being connected to Railway Board.

3. The first such retirement function through Video Conferencing is planned on 31st of July 2025 and thereafter every month on the last working day.

4. At the venue of the Video Conferencing, all precautions social/physical distancing norms are to be strictly observed. Accordingly, all are requested to furnish the details of retirees by 20th of each month to the Railway Board in the format Annexed.

5. It may also be noted that Hon’ble MR, Hon’ble MoS(R) may join and address through video link depending on their convenience.

6. All are requested to nominate a coordinating nodal officer whose details may be furnished to Board.

Sd/-
(B.Majumdar)
Joint Secretary
Railway Board
Tele fax: 011-23387362

S.No.:
Name of Officer (Shri/Ms.):
Designation:
Name of Railway / PU/ Institute/Workshop etc.:
Qualifying Service:
Remarks (Achievements, Special activities:

Indian Railways officially enables retirement formalities through virtual means, as specified in Railway Board Order No. 2020/RB(W)/5/7 dated 21 July 2025. Here’s a detailed breakdown:


🖥️ Virtual Retirement Functions

  • Physical retirement ceremonies at Railway Board and Zonal/Divisional levels (on the last working day of every month at 17:00) were replaced with video‑conferencing-based functions since July 2025
  • These functions involve retirees and administrative units connecting virtually, maintaining the tradition without physical gathering

🧾 Settlement & Digital Documentation via HRMS Platform

1. Settlement Module in HRMS

  • Indian Railways uses the IR‑HRMS (Human Resource Management System) developed by CRIS to manage the entire lifecycle of employees, including retirement processes
  • The Settlement Module in HRMS triggers automatically six months before superannuation, allowing pre-population of service records.
  • Divisional staff (Service Record Dealing Clerks, Verifying Authorities) process forms digitally through multiple approval stages, streamlining service history and settlement data electronically

2. Pension Processing via ARPAN

  • The ARPAN (Advanced Railway Pension Access Network) automates the pension sanction process, with E‑PPOs sent digitally to banks—shortening processing time from 2–3 months to issuance by the second month post-retirement
  • Pensioners can view payments, lodge grievances online, and download necessary forms—all within ARPAN’s centralized digital framework

📱 Post‑Retirement HRMS Access & E‑Pass Benefits

  • Retirees can register and access the HRMS portal or mobile app using PPO number, DOB and name. They can update mobile numbers, register themselves, and begin using the portal fully for post-retirement services
  • The Post-Retirement Complimentary Pass (PRCP) and Widow Pass modules in HRMS enable retirees or their widows to apply for pass privileges online. Retirees can update phone numbers, submit PPO details, then apply for passes—all within the HRMS platform

🧩 Overall Virtual Retirement Workflow

Phase Virtual Facility Platform/Module
Retirement ceremony Monthly all-India video‑conferencing VR conference functions
Settlement of dues Digital settlement module via HRMS IR‑HRMS Settlement Module
Pension generation Digital E‑PPO and bank transmission ARPAN
Post-retirement services Self‑registration, mobile update, pass application HRMS portal/app + PRCP/WP

✅ How It Works In Practice

  • Around six months before retirement, your unit’s SR-DC begins the settlement process within HRMS.
  • On your last working day, the virtual retirement ceremony is held via video link (typically by 17:00).
  • By the second month after retirement, your pension starts via E‑PPO through ARPAN, reducing delays significantly.
  • You can register yourself on HRMS, update mobile number, access salary history, family nominations, and apply for complimentary passes—all using the same digital portal.

📝 In Summary

Indian Railways has successfully digitized retirement formalities to a great extent:

  • Retirement functions: held via video conference monthly, replacing in‑person ceremonies
  • Settlement & documentation: handled** entirely within HRMS**, digitally processed and approved across units
  • Pension disbursement: automated via ARPAN and E‑PPO, with faster approvals and digital reconciliation
  • Post‑retirement access: retirees can self‑register, apply for passes, update contact information, and access records all via HRMS portal/app

Would you like guidance on how to register or use any specific module—such as HRMS registration, pass applications, or raising pension-related grievances online?

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