Railway Board Revises Air Travel Rules for Officers

In a move aimed at improving efficiency and aligning with the Government of India’s broader directives, the Railway Board has issued fresh instructions governing air travel entitlements for railway officers on official tours and duties. The revision is part of the board’s continuous efforts to optimize operational costs and simplify procedures across the Indian Railways.

Key Highlights of the Revised Guidelines

The Railway Board’s communication (RBE No. 36/2025, dated April 29, 2025) modifies the delegation of powers and air travel entitlements for officers. Here’s what has changed:

Delegation of Sanctioning Powers:
- Zonal Railways & Divisional Level:
  - PHOD/CHOD, CAO/C, DGs in CTIs, and DRMs can sanction air travel for officers under them.
  - No Finance Concurrence needed for officers in Pay Matrix Level-14 & above.
  - Finance Concurrence Required for officers in Pay Matrix Level-13 & below.
- Railway Board Level:
  - Sanctioning power remains with AMs/PEDs.
  - Prior Finance Concurrence is mandatory for air travel below Director level.
Travel Class Entitlement:
- Officers in Level-13 & below: Economy Class.
- Officers in Level-14 & above: Business / Club Class, as per MoF/DoE O.M. dated July 13, 2017.
Self-Certification Requirement:
- Officers must submit a self-certification in their tour program and TA/DA claim confirming that no Group C staff is traveling with them.
Reimbursement Cap:
- Reimbursement will be limited to actual airfare or three times the train fare of the entitled class, whichever is lower.
Budget Provision:
- No extra budgetary allotment will be provided for this purpose.

Context and Objective

This revised framework replaces earlier instructions and is designed to streamline the approval process and align entitlements with government norms, thus creating parity across departments and improving administrative efficiency.

According to the circular signed by Pranav Kumar Mallick, Executive Director (Transformation), the new rules are effective immediately. The move has been approved by the Railway Board’s Member Finance and Chairman & CEO.

View Railway Board Letter