Jammu, November 1:
The Railway Board has made it clear to the existing and retired railway employees as well as widow pass holders to travel in higher class in premium trains. Privilege Pass (PP), Retired Employees’ Travel Pass (PRCP) and Widow Pass (WP) will also be allowed to travel above their prescribed class in trains like Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi. For this, passengers will have to pay the difference between the fare of both classes.
The Railway Board has issued an order in this regard on October 30. Till now, mail and express trains had the facility to travel in higher class by paying a difference in fare, but the situation was not clear in premium trains. The board has made it clear that there is no prohibition on such travel in these trains in the rules with the Railways.
According to the joint order issued by Sanjay Manocha, Director (Passenger Marketing) and MM Jayabalan, Joint Director (Establishment & Welfare), the decision will provide more convenience and options to the employees and their families during travel. The board has also issued revised rules replacing the old instructions related to eligibility for all types of passes and travel authorizations.
The Railway Board has directed the concerned departments to make necessary changes in the online pass and reservation system immediately. This will ensure that eligible employees, retired personnel and widow pass holders will not face any difficulty in availing the new facility.