The Railway Board has issued a directive making it mandatory for retired railway employees to use the Human Resource Management System (HRMS) for all their pass requirements. Manual passes will no longer be issued, ensuring that all privilege passes and ticket orders are generated digitally. This move aims to bring transparency and ease of access for millions of retired staff and their families.
How will the e-Pass system work for retirees?
Retired employees must now apply for their passes through the HRMS e-Pass module. Once the e-Pass or Privilege Ticket Order (PTO) is generated online, users can book their tickets through the IRCTC app or portal. This digital process removes the need for pre-printed stationery and physical applications, making the entire system paperless.
What are the key changes in the pass issuance process?
- Digital Generation: All passes for disabled and retired employees will be issued exclusively through HRMS.
- Automatic Issuance: Modifications made on February 6, 2023, allow for immediate issuance of passes if there are no changes in family declarations.
- Universal Criteria: The “Status cum PLPM” is now the uniform criterion for both pre-2016 and post-2016 retirees to ensure consistency.
Timeline of HRMS e-Pass implementation
| Date | Update/Event |
|---|---|
| August 18, 2015 | Launch of HRMS e-Pass/PTG Module |
| August 13, 2020 | e-Pass facility extended to retired employees |
| September 1, 2021 | Privilege Passes mandated exclusively through HRMS |
| February 6, 2023 | Automatic issuance of e-Pass/PTO introduced |
| May 29, 2026 | Reiteration of mandatory HRMS use for all retirees |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can retired employees book tickets using e-Pass?
Retired employees first need to generate their e-Pass or PTO through the HRMS application. After generation, they can use the IRCTC app or portal to book their tickets against those digital passes.
Is manual approval required for every e-Pass request?
No, as per the February 6, 2023 update, e-Passes and PTOs are issued automatically and immediately upon request, provided there are no changes in the user’s family declarations.