LTC Train Travel Rules 2025: Tejas Express, Vande Bharat & Humsafar Trains Allowed for Central Government Employees
LTC Train Travel Rules 2025: Tejas Express, Vande Bharat & Humsafar Trains Allowed for Central Government Employees
DoPT's 14 January 2025 Office Memorandum clarifies LTC travel by premium trains — entitlement still depends on Pay Level.
The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has issued an important clarification regarding Leave Travel Concession (LTC) travel by premium trains. As per the Office Memorandum dated 14 January 2025, Central Government employees can now travel by Tejas Express, Vande Bharat Express and Humsafar Express under LTC, subject to their applicable travel entitlement. The decision has been taken by DoPT in consultation with the Department of Expenditure.
लेकिन admissible class Pay Level entitlement पर निर्भर करेगी
Tejas, Vande Bharat and Humsafar Express Allowed Under LTC
The DoPT OM, issued by the Pers. Policy Division, refers to the earlier OM dated 19 September 2017 concerning travel by premium/specific trains under the CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988.
The Department had received several references from offices and individual employees seeking clarification on whether trains such as Tejas Express, Vande Bharat Express and Humsafar Express could be used for LTC journeys. After examining the matter, DoPT has decided to permit travel by these trains under LTC according to the entitlement of the concerned Central Government employee.
LTC Train Entitlement for Central Government Employees
| Pay Level | Shatabdi or Similar Type Trains | Rajdhani Type or Similar Type Trains |
|---|---|---|
| Level 12 and above | Executive Class | AC 1st Class |
| Level 6 to 11 | Chair Car | AC 2nd Class |
| Level 5 and below | Chair Car | AC 3rd Class |
This entitlement applies to premium trains covered by the order, including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat Express, Tejas Express and Humsafar Express.
What Does the New LTC Clarification Mean?
The clarification is particularly relevant for employees who prefer travelling by newer premium trains such as Vande Bharat and Tejas Express.
- An employee in Pay Level 12 or above is entitled to Executive Class in Shatabdi or similar trains and AC First Class in Rajdhani-type or similar trains.
- Employees in Pay Level 6 to 11 are entitled to Chair Car in Shatabdi/similar trains and AC 2nd Class in Rajdhani-type/similar trains.
- Employees in Pay Level 5 and below are entitled to Chair Car in Shatabdi/similar trains and AC 3rd Class in Rajdhani-type/similar trains.
Therefore, employees should ensure that the class booked is within their prescribed LTC entitlement.
Vande Bharat Travel Under LTC
The inclusion of Vande Bharat Express is significant for Central Government employees because the train operates on several important routes across India. Employees eligible for LTC can use Vande Bharat where the applicable train and class fall within their prescribed entitlement under the DoPT clarification. Reimbursement will remain subject to the CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988 and other applicable LTC conditions.
Tejas Express Travel Under LTC
The order also permits Tejas Express travel under LTC. Tejas services operate on selected routes and provide premium travel options. Central Government employees can claim LTC travel by Tejas Express subject to their applicable entitlement and the existing LTC rules.
Humsafar Express Included
Humsafar Express has also been specifically included in the clarification. Employees can therefore undertake eligible LTC journeys using Humsafar Express according to the class admissible to them.
Earlier LTC Rules Remain Applicable
The DoPT has clarified that other terms and conditions of its OM dated 19 September 2017 will remain unchanged. Therefore, the new clarification should not be interpreted as changing other LTC conditions such as eligibility, journey conditions, reimbursement requirements or other applicable provisions under the CCS (LTC) Rules.
DoPT Office Memorandum Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Department | Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) |
| Division | Pers. Policy Division |
| OM No. | 31011/3/2022-PP-A-IV |
| Date | 14 January 2025 |
| Subject | Admissibility to travel by Tejas Express, Vande Bharat Express & Humsafar Express trains under LTC |
| Rules | CCS (LTC) Rules, 1988 |
| Reference | DoPT OM No. 31011/8/2017-Estt.A-IV dated 19 September 2017 |
Key Takeaway for Central Government Employees
The 14 January 2025 DoPT clarification expands/clarifies the availability of premium train travel under LTC by specifically allowing Tejas Express, Vande Bharat Express and Humsafar Express in addition to the premium/specific trains covered earlier. However, employees must travel in the class corresponding to their Pay Level entitlement. The remaining terms and conditions of the earlier LTC instructions continue to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Central Government employees travel by Vande Bharat Express under LTC?
Yes, as per the DoPT OM dated 14 January 2025, Vande Bharat Express is allowed under LTC, subject to the employee's applicable travel entitlement based on their Pay Level.
Does this order allow booking any class in these premium trains?
No. The employee's Pay Matrix Level determines the admissible class — permission to use these trains does not mean any class can be booked.
What is the LTC entitlement for Pay Level 6 to 11 employees?
Employees in Pay Level 6 to 11 are entitled to Chair Car in Shatabdi/similar trains and AC 2nd Class in Rajdhani-type/similar trains.
Does this clarification change other LTC eligibility conditions?
No. DoPT has clarified that other terms and conditions of the earlier OM dated 19 September 2017 remain unchanged — only the list of permitted premium trains has been clarified.
What is the OM number and date for this clarification?
The OM number is 31011/3/2022-PP-A-IV, dated 14 January 2025, issued by DoPT's Pers. Policy Division.
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