Premium Trains Now Covered Under LTC for Government Employees

New Delhi, January 14, 2025 — In a significant move to enhance travel flexibility for central government employees, the Centre has officially expanded the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) scheme to include premium trains like Tejas Express, Vande Bharat Express, and Humsafar Express. This decision ensures that employees can now claim ticket reimbursement for both onward and return journeys on these trains, in addition to the paid leave already granted under the LTC.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) issued this directive after receiving multiple inquiries from various offices and individuals about the eligibility of premium trains under the LTC framework. Following a thorough review in consultation with the Department of Expenditure, the government confirmed the inclusion of these high-speed and luxury trains in the LTC entitlement, alongside the already permissible Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto trains.

"Apart from the existing Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto trains, travel by Tejas Express, Vande Bharat Express, and Humsafar Express under LTC, as per the entitlement of government employees, has now been approved," stated the DoPT order released on Tuesday.

What is the Leave Travel Concession (LTC)?

The LTC scheme is a special travel allowance designed to encourage central government employees to explore India while enjoying paid leave. It offers employees the opportunity to travel to any destination in the country within a four-year block period. Employees can either avail themselves of Home Town LTC twice in two separate years or combine a Home Town visit once with a trip to any destination in India within the same four-year cycle.

This latest inclusion of premium trains under the LTC aims to provide government employees with more comfortable and efficient travel options, aligning with India's rapidly modernizing rail infrastructure. It is expected to not only boost domestic tourism but also enhance the overall travel experience for thousands of employees and their families.

Government employees can now look forward to faster and more luxurious journeys, marking a progressive step in the Centre's efforts to improve employee welfare and promote domestic tourism.

Read the order here