In a significant move to enhance travel experiences, the central government has expanded the travel options for its employees, allowing them to travel in state-of-the-art trains like Vande Bharat, Tejas, and Humsafar Express trains under the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) scheme. This decision by the Department of Personnel & Training is expected to transform the way government employees travel for personal trips, giving them access to world-class facilities and services while availing their LTC.

Luxurious Travel Options for Government Employees

Government employees across all levels can now experience the comfort and luxury of 241 additional trains under the LTC scheme. These include 136 Vande Bharat Express trains, 97 Humsafar Express trains, and eight Tejas Express trains, bringing the total to 385 premium trains available for LTC travel. Previously, government employees were already able to use services like the Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto trains. With the inclusion of these modern trains, the pool of travel options has expanded significantly.

The new travel guidelines introduce various entitlements based on the employee’s level in the government service. For short and medium-distance travel in Vande Bharat, Tejas, and Shatabdi Express trains, employees can avail themselves of Chair Car travel up to level 11. Those in level 12 and above are entitled to Executive Chair Car travel, offering even more luxurious seating and services.

For long-distance travel, employees can avail of different classes of travel depending on their level:

  • Level 12 and above: AC 2nd Class travel on Rajdhani-type luxurious trains (with berths).
  • Level 6 to 11: AC 2nd Class travel.
  • Level 5 and below: AC 3rd Class travel.

This tiered system ensures that employees can enjoy high-end travel experiences in line with their rank and entitlements.

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LTC is a benefit provided to government employees, allowing them to travel to their hometown or anywhere in India at a subsidised cost. The scheme operates in blocks of four years. Employees can avail themselves of hometown LTC twice during a block of two years, or they can choose to use it once for their hometown and once for any other destination in India during the four-year block.

With the expansion of train options, the LTC facility now provides employees with even greater flexibility and comfort in their travels, making it easier to explore the vast and diverse landscapes of India. Whether for a quick visit home or a long-awaited vacation, government employees now have access to the best in rail travel services.