Air Travel – Official Tour – Guidelines
No.F(E)I/2016/AL-28/25, dated 19.02.2019
Sub: Guidelines on Air Travel on Official Tours.
Ref: Board’s letters of even number dated 16.05.2016 (RBE No. 49/2016), 17.10.2016 (RBE No. 122/2016), 22.08.2017 (RBE No. 100/2017), 21.09.2017 (RBE No. 136/2017) & 22.12.2017 (RBE No. 201/2017).
1. In accordance with the instructions contained in the Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure’s OM Nos.19024/1/2009-E-IV, dated 13.07.2009, 16.09.2010 & 28.07.2011 on the subject, as communicated by Ministry of Civil Aviation, certain guidelines (along with the proforma seeking relaxation, as issued by MoF) were circulated vide Board’s letter of even number dated 16.05.2016 regarding grant permission to travel by Airlines other than Air India for official air travel (both domestic and international) by Railway Officers. The guidelines, were reiterated and re-circulated time and again for strict compliance vide Board’s letters of even number dated 17.10.2016 (RBE No. 122/2016), 22.08.2017 (RBE No. 100/2017), 21.09.2017 (RBE No. 136/2017) & 22.12.2017 (RBE No. 201/2017).
2. In terms of MoF OM No.19024/1/2009-E.IV, dt. 07.06.2017 (para-2 of Annex-A), the request for relaxation must be submitted to Finance Directorate at least 07 working days in advance from the date of travel. However, it has been observed in most of the cases that the request for relaxation/ permission is submitted to Railway Board at the eleventh hour, leading to escalation in the prices of Air Tickets. In some of the cases, even the post-facto permission is sought.
3. It is therefore once again advised to all Indian Railways/ PUs that the request for relaxation/ permission must be submitted to Railway Board at least 07 working days in advance from the date of travel, in the prescribed proforma, also indicating the FAX Number. timely processing will also avoid the need for any post facto approval of relaxation.
4. Please acknowledge receipt.
Download Railway Board Circular dated 19.02.2019
Forward reference⇒RBE No.