Indian Railways is set for a major administrative shift as it prepares to transition entirely to a digital duty pass system. Starting July 15, 2026, the national transporter will discontinue the issuance of physical, paper-based duty passes for its personnel, marking the end of a long-standing manual process. This initiative follows the successful rollout of the HRMS Duty Pass Module, which began as a pilot project in November 2024.
Key highlights of the new digital mandate include:
- Full transition: No physical duty passes will be issued after July 15, 2026.
- Existing validity: Current physical passes will remain valid until their original expiration date.
- System integration: Digital passes are managed via the Human Resources Management System (HRMS) and linked to the RailOne mobile application.
- Convenience: The move is designed to eliminate the need for employees to make frequent office visits for pass-related documentation.
Streamlining Railway Operations
The Railway Board has issued clear directives to all Zonal Railways’ Principal Chief Personnel Officers (PCPOs) to ensure a smooth migration to the digital platform. By leveraging the RailOne mobile application, railway employees can now book unreserved tickets with greater ease and transparency. This shift is part of a broader strategy to embrace digital governance, reduce paper waste, and improve operational efficiency across all zones.
Important Guidelines for Usage
While the system offers significant convenience, officials have emphasized strict compliance regarding the use of digital tickets. Yashanjeet Singh, Senior Commercial Manager of the Ambala Division, confirmed that all staff must adhere to the new protocols. A critical rule to note is that unreserved tickets booked via the RailOne app are valid only on the specific mobile device used for the transaction. Railway authorities have clarified that screenshots of tickets or copies forwarded via messaging applications will not be accepted by ticket-checking staff.
This move represents a significant step forward in modernizing the internal workflows of Indian Railways, ensuring that the technology-driven system remains secure while providing a seamless experience for the workforce.