No.AIRF/82 Dated: December 21, 2020
The Chairman-Cum-CEO,
Railway Board,
New Delhi
Dear Sir,
Sub: Validation of Privilege Passes/PTOs in Festival/Special Trains
Privilege Passes/Privilege Ticket Order(PTOs) are issued to the Railway Servants in exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to Article 309 of the Constitution to travel by trains.
Prior to the lock down in India, all the Railway Servants and Pensioners were enjoying benefit of travelling in the trains with some restrictions on travelling in Rajdhani/ Shatabdi/Duronto Express Trains. Running of Passenger Trains gradually resumed operations after initially starting COVID-19 Specials from 1st May, 2020. Privilege Pass/ PTO holders were permitted to travel in these COVID-19 Specials. High patronage trains, which were in operations prior to COVID-19 Pandemic lock down, were introduced by renaming them as “Festival Specials” during Dussehra/Diwali etc., but with travelling restrictions on Privilege Pass/PTO holders.
It is worth-mentioning here that, these trains are still in operations as “Festival Specials” with the above restrictions. Moreover, there is widespread resentment and unrest prevailing amongst the staff on this account, and this office is pouring in with numerous complaints from the staff, strongly protesting and demanding normal train operations and restoration of their legitimate benefits that were available to the Pass/ PTO holders.
In view of the above, you are requested to instruct all concerned to run regular train services and restore travelling privilege of the Railway Servants.
An early action in the matter shall be highly appreciated.
√Copy to: D.G.(H.R.), Railway Board – for necessary action please.
√Copy to: E.D.(I.R.), Railway Board – for necessary action please.
√Copy to: General Secretaries, All Affiliated Unions – for information.
—
