The central government has significantly upgraded its employees' Leave Travel Concession (LTC) scheme, introducing 385 premium trains, including the Vande Bharat, Tejas, and Humsafar Express. This move, initiated by the Department of Personnel and Training, is designed to offer world-class travel experiences and greater convenience for personal trips.
New Trains Added: Government employees can now access 136 Vande Bharat Express, 97 Humsafar Express, and 8 Tejas Express trains under LTC, alongside existing options like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto.
Tiered Entitlements: Travel class is determined by the employee's rank:
Short/Medium Distances: Chair Car travel is available for employees up to level 11, while those in level 12 and above can opt for Executive Chair Car in trains like Vande Bharat and Tejas.
Long Distances:
Level 12 and Above: AC 2nd Class (Rajdhani-type trains with berths).
Level 6–11: AC 2nd Class.
Level 5 and Below: AC 3rd Class.
LTC is a benefit allowing government employees to travel to their hometown or a destination in India at subsidised costs within a four-year block. They can avail themselves of hometown LTC twice or opt for one hometown and one all-India LTC during this period.
It promotes work-life balance by encouraging employees to explore and rejuvenate through travel. The scheme operates in four-year blocks, allowing employees to avail themselves of hometown LTC twice or combine it with an all-India destination. With the inclusion of premium trains like Vande Bharat and Tejas, LTC now offers world-class travel experiences, ensuring comfort and convenience.
By expanding travel options and improving facilities, the government aims to make LTC journeys more enjoyable and accessible for all employees, ensuring they can experience premium train travel in line with their entitlements.
(With inputs from multiple reports)
