Railway Pass Holders Can Now Upgrade to Higher Classes on Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi Trains

Railway employees, pensioners and widow pass holders can now travel in higher classes on premium trains by paying the fare difference, following a Railway Board clarification issued on October 30, 2026.

The facility, earlier restricted to Mail and Express trains, has now been extended to premium services, including Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi trains.

Under the revised provision, holders of Privilege Passes (PP), Post-Retirement Complimentary Passes (PRCP) and Widow Passes (WP) can book accommodation in a class higher than the one authorised on their passes by paying the difference in fare between the two classes.

Railway Board Extends Higher-Class Travel Facility

The Railway Board clarified that the provision under Rule 3(x) of Schedule II of the Railway Servants (Pass) Rules, 1986, which permits pass holders to travel in a higher class by paying the fare difference, will also apply to premium trains.

Until now, this facility was available only on Mail and Express services. The latest clarification removes that restriction and gives eligible serving and retired railway personnel greater flexibility when booking premium train journeys.

PRS and HRMS Systems to Be Updated

To implement the revised provision, the Railway Board has directed the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) to make the necessary changes to the Passenger Reservation System (PRS) and the e-Pass module of the Human Resource Management System (HRMS).

Once the modifications are completed, eligible pass holders will be able to book tickets in a higher class through online platforms or at railway reservation counters.

Finance Directorate Clears Proposal

The Railway Board said the decision had been taken with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways.

The clarification extends the existing higher-class travel benefit to Rajdhani, Duronto and Shatabdi services, allowing serving railway employees, retired personnel and widow pass holders to access premium train accommodation by paying the applicable fare difference.