Leave Rules Guide
Leave types, eligibility, and how to apply — for East Central Railway employees
Main Types of Leave
Casual Leave (CL)
Short-duration leave for personal work, granted within a fixed annual limit. It is generally not carried forward to the next year and is credited at the start of the calendar year.
Earned Leave (EL)
Leave earned progressively based on service, which can be accumulated up to a prescribed ceiling. It is commonly used for travel, personal work, and can be encashed at retirement, subject to current rules.
Half Pay Leave (HPL)
Granted at half pay, typically for medical reasons or other necessary circumstances, and accrues progressively over the length of service.
Commuted Leave
Taken at full pay by commuting an equivalent HPL balance (typically double the days), usually supported by a medical certificate.
Leave Not Due (LND)
Leave granted in advance against future HPL credit, when the employee has no HPL balance left — usually approved only on medical grounds.
Maternity / Paternity Leave
Women railway employees are entitled to maternity leave, and male employees to paternity leave, as per the applicable service rules.
Special Casual Leave
Granted for specific situations such as recognised union/association activity, blood donation, or sports events, as per Railway Board circulars — separate from the regular CL account.
How to Apply
Leave applications are usually submitted through the HRMS portal or the prescribed form, routed via your supervisor/department head. Medical leave requires a valid medical certificate. If your application is delayed or facing an issue, contact your ECRKU branch representative.
Quick Summary
Railway employees can avail several leave types — Casual Leave (CL), Earned Leave (EL), Half Pay Leave (HPL), Commuted Leave, Leave Not Due, and Maternity/Paternity Leave — each with its own eligibility and application process, governed by Railway Board rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of leave can a railway employee take?
The main leave types are Casual Leave (CL), Earned Leave (EL), Half Pay Leave (HPL), Commuted Leave, Leave Not Due (LND), Special Casual Leave, and Maternity/Paternity Leave. Each has separate eligibility rules under Railway Board guidelines.
How does Earned Leave (EL) work?
Earned Leave accrues progressively based on service and can be accumulated up to a prescribed ceiling. It is commonly used for travel or personal work and can be encashed at retirement, subject to current rules.
How do I apply for leave?
Leave applications are usually submitted through the HRMS portal or a prescribed form, routed via your supervisor or department head. Medical leave requires a valid medical certificate.