Service Matter Update: The Railway Board has released two critical Establishment Circulars (RBEs) in February 2026 that directly impact the career progression of Running Staff and the housing benefits of officers on deputation. RBE No. 05/2026 revises the recruitment hierarchy for Goods Train Managers (formerly Guards), while RBE No. 02/2026 provides a major relief regarding Quarter Retention for staff joining NCRTC.
This consolidated guide decodes the new “60:15:25” recruitment formula and explains the specific conditions under which you can retain your railway accommodation while working on the RRTS project.
• RBE 05/2026: Revised Recruitment Rules for Goods Train Manager (Level-5).
• RBE 02/2026: Retention of Railway Quarters allowed for NCRTC Deputation.
• RBE 10/2026: Benefit of One Increment on promotion from Sr. Goods to Sr. Passenger Manager.
RBE 05/2026: Goods Train Manager Recruitment Overhaul
To enhance the quality of safety-category staff, the Railway Board has amended the Indian Railway Establishment Manual (IREM) Vol. I via ACS No. 295. The new recruitment structure for the post of Goods Train Manager (Level-5) is as follows:
| Recruitment Mode | Quota % | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| General Selection | 60% | Existing eligible staff (Pointsman, Shunting Master, etc.) via selection process. |
| LDCE | 15% | Serving non-ministerial graduates (Level 1-4) via Limited Departmental Competitive Exam. |
| Direct Recruitment | 25% | Open Market via RRB (Must hold a University Degree). |
Why this matters:
Previously, the focus was heavily on general promotion. The introduction of a dedicated 15% LDCE Quota for graduates allows younger, qualified Track Maintainers and Pointsmen to fast-track their career into the Running Cadre without waiting for seniority.
RBE 02/2026: Housing Relief for NCRTC Deputation
Officers proceeding on deputation to the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC)—which manages the RRTS trains—often face housing issues in Delhi/NCR. RBE No. 02/2026 allows them to retain their Railway Quarter under specific swap conditions:
- Condition 1 (Swap): NCRTC must provide leased accommodation to Northern Railway officers in exchange for the retained quarter.
- Condition 2 (Payment): If no swap is possible, NCRTC must deposit the HRA/Lease amount equivalent to the cost of the quarter with the Zonal Railway.
This order is valid for a further period, ensuring stability for officers executing these high-priority infrastructure projects.
Clarification on Promotional Increment (RBE 10/2026)
A long-standing anomaly regarding pay fixation has also been cleared. When a Sr. Goods Train Manager (Level 6) is promoted to Sr. Passenger Train Manager (Level 6), they move within the same Pay Level.
The Verdict: Since the duties involve higher responsibility, the Railway Board has clarified that the employee IS ELIGIBLE for the benefit of One Increment (3%) upon this movement, despite no change in Grade Pay.
Who is eligible for the 15% LDCE quota?
Serving regular railway employees working in Level-1 to Level-4 (non-ministerial categories) who possess a Graduation Degree and meet the medical standard (A-2) are eligible to appear for the LDCE exam for Goods Train Manager.
Is the increment for Sr. Goods to Sr. Passenger retrospective?
Yes. Employees who were denied this benefit in the past can claim re-fixation of pay and arrears from the date of their promotion to Sr. Passenger Train Manager.
हिंदी सारांश
रेलवे बोर्ड ने गुड्स ट्रेन मैनेजर (गार्ड) की भर्ती के लिए नए नियम (RBE 05/2026) जारी किए हैं। अब 15% पद LDCE परीक्षा के माध्यम से भरे जाएंगे, जो ग्रेजुएट कर्मचारियों के लिए अच्छा मौका है। इसके अलावा, RBE 02/2026 के तहत NCRTC में प्रतिनियुक्ति पर जाने वाले अधिकारियों को रेलवे क्वार्टर रखने की अनुमति दी गई है। होली पर घर जाने वाले कर्मचारी होली स्पेशल ट्रेन लिस्ट 2026 देख सकते हैं।
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