Grant of Notional Higher Pay Level to Railways Running Staff for Pass/PTO Entitlement
The Ministry of Railways has announced the grant of a notional higher pay level for the limited purpose of Pass/PTO entitlement for certain categories of Running Staff. The Railway Board decided to allot higher pay levels to these categories exclusively for Pass/PTO entitlement, effective from January 1, 2016, in line with the implementation of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
Key Details of the Announcement
The decision to provide a higher notional pay level was taken during a Board meeting held on September 4, 2024. Here are the main takeaways:
- The higher pay level applies only to Pass/PTO (Privilege Ticket Order) entitlement.
- The instructions will be effective from January 1, 2016, which aligns with the implementation date of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
- This entitlement is available to various categories of Running Staff, as mentioned in the Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986, Second Edition 1993.
- Post-Retirement Benefits: For retired or deceased Running Staff, the complimentary/widow pass entitlement will be re-fixed if it is found to be beneficial after allotting the higher notional pay level.
It is crucial to note that the grant of notional higher pay level is only for the purpose of Pass/PTO entitlement. It will not be applicable for any other benefits or purposes.
Categories of Running Staff Covered
The categories of Running Staff entitled to the notional higher pay level are outlined in the annexure attached to the circular. The pay level under the 7th CPC matrix and the corresponding Grade Pay levels under the 6th CPC are listed below:
| Category of Staff | 6th CPC Grade Pay (GP) | Notional Higher GP during 6th CPC | 7th CPC Pay Level in Pay Matrix (PLPM) | Notional Higher PLPM |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second Fireman | 1800 | – | 1 | 4 |
| Assistant Loco Pilot (Diesel/Electric) | 1900 | 2400 | 2 | 4 |
| Senior ALP / Loco Pilot (Shunting) | 2400 | 4200 | 4 | 6 |
| Goods Guard & Tower Wagon Driver | 2800 | 4200 | 5 | 6 |
| Loco Pilot (Shunting / Goods) | 4200 | 4600 | 6 | 7 |
| Loco Pilot (Passenger / Mail Express Guard) | 4200 | 4600 | 6 | 7 |
| Loco Pilot (Mail) | 4200 | 4600 | 6 | 7 |
Impact on Retired Running Staff
The Ministry of Railways has also clarified that in the case of retired or deceased Running Staff, the post-retirement complimentary or widow pass entitlement can be revised to the higher level if it proves beneficial after the implementation of the notional higher pay level.
Limited Application
It is important to emphasize that this notional higher pay level is strictly for the purpose of enhancing Pass/PTO entitlement. It will not apply to other benefits, such as salary increments, pension, or allowances.

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