Post Retirement Complimentary Passes Rules 2025: Latest Railway Board Update Explained
The Railway Board has issued an important clarification regarding the Post Retirement Complimentary Passes (PRCP) and Widow Passes (WP) following several complaints of non-compliance across Zonal Railways and Production Units. This update, dated 04 December 2025, aims to ensure uniformity and fairness in issuing passes to retired railway employees and widows, irrespective of the CPC regime under which the employee had retired.
This article explains the latest instructions, their background, and what retired employees and widows should expect under the Post Retirement Complimentary Passes Rules 2025.
Why This New Clarification Was Issued
The All India Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF) reported that many Pass Issuing Authorities were not following the Board’s earlier instructions issued on 03 February 2023.
Retired employees and widows were reportedly receiving fewer passes than they were entitled to, especially where employees had retired under different CPC periods.
Multiple representations were also submitted by pensioners and retiree associations, prompting the Railway Board to intervene again.
What the Railway Board Has Reiterated
With approval from the Competent Authority, the Railway Board has confirmed the following:
1. PRCP Entitlement Is Based on “Status-cum-PLPM”
To remove discrepancies across CPC regimes, the Board had rationalized PRCP entitlement in 2023 by introducing a uniform criterion:
✔️ “Status-cum-PLPM” (Pay Level Pay Matrix)
This means PRCP/WP entitlement must correspond to:
- The Pay Level (actual or notional), and
- PLPM details as mentioned in the PPO or revised PPO.
This ensures that two employees who retired in the same level—regardless of 5th CPC, 6th CPC, or 7th CPC—receive the same PRCP entitlement.
2. Zonal Railways Must Correctly Refix PRCP/WP Entitlements
All Zonal Railways and Production Units have been directed to:
- Review previous PRCP/WP authorisations
- Refix the number of passes strictly as per Status-cum-PLPM
- Ensure retired employees and widows receive the correct and full entitlement
The Board emphasized strict compliance with the instructions.
3. Why This Matters for Retired Railway Employees
This reiteration ensures:
🔹 No wrongful reduction of passes
Employees will receive the passes they are entitled to based on their last held status/pay level.
🔹 Uniformity across all Railways
Regardless of region or zone, rules now apply consistently.
🔹 Protection for widows
Widow Pass (WP) entitlements must also follow the same uniform framework.
Official Signatory
Rashmi Dahiya
Deputy Director, Establishment (Welfare)
Railway Board
Email: drrashmigodara.rb[at]gov.in
Telephone: 011-47845543
Conclusion
The Post Retirement Complimentary Passes Rules 2025 aim to ensure fair and transparent processing of PRCP and Widow Passes across Indian Railways. With this clarification, retired employees and widows can expect standardized entitlements based on clearly defined norms—removing confusion and discrepancies that existed earlier.
If implemented strictly, this update will help maintain trust and streamline the pass-issuing system nationwide.