Do Railway Employees, Their Families Travel In Trains For Free? Here’s The Truth

Last Updated:August 16, 2025, 15:03 IST

Employees get three free railway passes and four Privilege Ticket Orders each year, though one pass is given before five years of service. Officers, however, follow different rules

Railway employees are entitled to three sets of free railway passes and four sets of PTOs annually. (Local18)

Many people assume that railway employees and their families can hop on trains for free, but the reality is more nuanced. Indian Railways offers a pass facility to its employees and officers, but the rules and provisions differ for each category.

The railway passes allow employees and their families to travel free of charge, but they are valid only for a fixed period and come with specific terms and conditions. In some cases, employees may still need to pay for tickets at certain locations. Overall, the passes provide limited-time travel benefits rather than unrestricted free travel.

Passes Granted After Five Years Of Service

Retired railway officer SK Srivastava explained that Indian Railways issues passes and PTOs (Privilege Ticket Orders) to employees after five years of regular service. Employees are entitled to three sets of free railway passes and four sets of PTOs annually. However, employees receive one set of passes before completing five years of service, whereas different rules apply to officers.

Fare Charged In PTO, Travel Free With Pass

Srivastava further said the railway pass allows the entire family to travel for free, while a PTO (concessional ticket order) requires employees to pay one-third of the journey fare. The pass covers the employee, spouse, and children. Additionally, dependent parents can also be included, allowing them to travel under the same facility.

Pass Limit Ends, Fare Applies

Once the annual limit of three passes and four PTOs is exhausted, railway employees must pay fares like regular passengers. The pass and PTO facilities automatically expire after one year. To obtain a pass or PTO, employees must submit their railway ID, service certificate, and other required documents to the railway administration. Only family members listed in the employee’s service book are eligible to travel using these facilities.

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August 16, 2025, 15:03 IST

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