RBE No. 115/2025: Renewal of Delegation of Powers for HRA Admissibility in Railways
The Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) has issued a new order, RBE No. 115/2025, dated 03 November 2025, regarding the renewal of delegation of powers related to House Rent Allowance (HRA). This important update extends the powers granted to General Managers and other Heads of Organizations controlling railway quarters, allowing them to sanction HRA under specific conditions.
This decision ensures that eligible railway employees continue receiving HRA benefits even in cases of non-acceptance or surrender of railway residential accommodation, subject to prescribed rules.
Background and Reference Orders
The renewal of powers mentioned in RBE No. 115/2025 refers to several earlier Railway Board communications, starting from 1988 to 2019, such as:
- No. E(P&A)II-87/HRA-15 dated 16.05.1988
- No. E(P&A)I-95/HRA-3 dated 14.02.1996
- No. E(P&A)II-99/HRA-2 dated 12.07.1999 & 16.03.2000
- No. E(P&A)II-2002/HRA-4 dated 16.10.2002 and 09.05.2003
- No. E(P&A)II-2010/HRA-2 dated 08.12.2010
- No. E(P&A)II-2017/HRA-3 dated 15.01.2018
- No. E(P&A)II/2012/F.E.2/4 dated 02.04.2019
These letters collectively laid down the framework for granting HRA to railway employees in specific cases where government accommodation is either not accepted or surrendered.
Extension of Delegation Period
The delegation of powers, which was earlier valid up to 31 March 2024, has now been extended from 01 April 2024 to 31 March 2031.
After 2031, the Railway Board will review the situation and issue fresh orders based on reports received from various Zonal Railways and Production Units.
This renewal ensures continuity in the HRA process and helps maintain flexibility in managing accommodation availability across railway establishments.
Conditions Regarding Vacant Railway Quarters
The circular also highlights that if any category of railway quarters remains vacant due to lack of demand, it becomes mandatory for employees entitled to those types to apply for them.
In such cases, HRA will not be admissible to employees who are eligible but do not apply for the available accommodation.
Additionally, in accordance with Board’s letter dated 02.04.2019, any vacated quarters may be:
- Allotted to employees of other pools (essential category staff), and
- Reclassified or re-pooled by Zonal Railways when necessary.
This ensures optimum utilization of available accommodation across different departments.
Board’s Discretionary Powers
It is important to note that the Railway Board retains the right to withdraw or modify these delegated powers at any time before 31 March 2031, if deemed necessary.
This condition ensures administrative control and allows the Board to adapt policies as per evolving requirements.
Issued with Finance Directorate’s Concurrence
The circular (No. E(P&A)II/2024/HRA-5) has been issued with the concurrence of the Finance Directorate of the Ministry of Railways, confirming its financial and administrative approval.
The order is signed by:
(Manoj Kumar)
Dy. Director, Estt. (P&A)II, Railway Board
Tele: 011-47845113
Email: manoj.rb[at]gov.in
Summary of RBE No. 115/2025
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| RBE No. | 115/2025 |
| Date of Issue | 03 November 2025 |
| Subject | Renewal of Delegation of Powers for HRA admissibility |
| Effective Period | 01.04.2024 – 31.03.2031 |
| Authority | Ministry of Railways (Railway Board) |
| Issued by | Dy. Director, Estt. (P&A)II |
| Reference | Multiple previous HRA circulars (1988–2019) |
Why This Matters to Railway Employees
This order ensures that:
- HRA benefits continue without interruption for eligible employees.
- General Managers retain authority to sanction HRA as per set conditions.
- Railway quarters are efficiently utilized, reducing the number of unoccupied units.
For railway employees, understanding this delegation helps in clarifying HRA eligibility in cases where government accommodation is available but not occupied.