The Railway Board has clarified that railway pass holders can now travel in a higher class than their entitled category on premium trains such as Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi Express by paying the applicable fare difference.
The clarification applies to holders of Privilege Pass, Post Retirement Complimentary Pass and Widow Pass. They can upgrade their travel class by paying the difference between the fare of their entitled class and the higher class they wish to travel in.
The decision resolves a long-standing ambiguity under the Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986. The Railway Board issued the clarification after consulting its Commercial Directorate.
The move is expected to provide greater flexibility to eligible railway employees, retired railway staff and widows while travelling on premium trains.