The Central Government has officially approved the use of Tejas, Vande Bharat, and Humsafar trains for Leave Travel Concession (LTC) purposes, providing a significant boost to the travel options available to government employees. This decision, announced by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), expands access to modern and premium trains, ensuring a more comfortable and luxurious travel experience for employees utilizing LTC benefits.
Enhanced Travel Options for Government Employees
The revised policy increases the number of eligible trains for LTC travel to 385, offering employees a broader range of routes and schedules across the country. The eligible trains now include:
- 136 Vande Bharat Express trains – Renowned for their cutting-edge technology and high-speed travel.
- 97 Humsafar Express trains – Equipped with superior amenities, catering to long-distance travelers.
- 8 Tejas Express trains – Known for their luxury and top-notch passenger services.
This expansion adds 241 new trains to the eligibility list, previously limited to 144 high-end trains, such as the Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto series. The addition provides access to premium rail services across all regions of the country, making travel more convenient and accessible for government employees.
Detailed Entitlement Based on Employee Level
The updated guidelines clarify travel entitlements under the LTC scheme based on the employee’s level:
- Employees at Level 5 and below: Eligible for AC 3rd Class for long-distance travel on trains with berths.
- Employees at Levels 6 to 11: Eligible for AC 2nd Class for long-distance travel.
- Employees at Level 12 and above:
- For short and medium-distance journeys: Executive Chair Car on premium trains like Vande Bharat, Tejas, and Shatabdi Express.
- For long-distance journeys on luxury trains with berths: AC 2nd Class travel.
These provisions ensure that travel options are tailored to the rank and requirements of employees, enhancing comfort and choice during their journeys.
The Leave Travel Concession (LTC) Advantage
The LTC scheme is a vital benefit for Central Government employees, designed to encourage domestic travel and exploration. Under this scheme, eligible employees receive reimbursement for round-trip travel expenses and paid leave, making it a highly sought-after perk. Key benefits include:
- Two hometown LTC trips within a two-year block – Allows employees to visit their place of origin with their families.
- One hometown visit every two years – Ensures employees can maintain connections with their roots.
- One all-India LTC journey within two years – Empowers employees to explore any destination across India.
This scheme is applicable over a four-year block, offering employees flexibility to plan trips that balance work and leisure effectively.
A Step Towards Better Travel Experiences
The inclusion of state-of-the-art trains like Vande Bharat, Tejas, and Humsafar ensures government employees enjoy a seamless, world-class travel experience. These trains are equipped with cutting-edge features such as high-speed connectivity, ergonomic seating, modern infotainment systems, and premium onboard services.
The decision comes in response to numerous requests from employees and demonstrates the government’s commitment to enhancing employee welfare. By significantly expanding the list of eligible trains, the government provides better connectivity, wider travel options, and an overall improved travel experience.
Meeting Employee Needs Across the Country
With this decision, the government has ensured that LTC travel is not only luxurious but also more inclusive. Employees from all regions and levels can now access modern rail services that align with their preferences and work schedules. Whether it’s a short trip aboard a high-speed Vande Bharat or a long-distance journey on a comfortable Humsafar, employees have the flexibility to choose the best travel option.
This policy update reinforces the government’s focus on employee satisfaction and productivity, acknowledging the importance of work-life balance. By bridging accessibility gaps and making travel more efficient, the LTC scheme continues to be a cornerstone of benefits for Central Government employees.
Source: Business Today