Railway Extends 180‑Day Leave to Surrogate and Commissioning Mothers: The Indian Railways has overhauled its parental leave policy, of paid absence to both surrogate and commissioning mothers, and introducing paternity leave for fathers. This update reflects growing recognition of evolving family structures and aims to support both parents during early child care. (Railway Extends 180‑Day Leave to Surrogate and Commissioning Mothers)
Under the new rules, women who give birth via surrogacy or egg donation can now secure full maternity benefits, matching those afforded to biological mothers. This groundbreaking decision ensures these mothers receive proper time, financial support, and workplace protection. The policy aligns with the government’s earlier steps to extend leave benefits to adoptive and single mothers, reinforcing inclusivity.
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Notably, the update also delivers good news for fathers, men employed in Indian Railways can now take 15 days of paternity leave following the birth of their child. This change encourages fathers to engage actively in early childcare and supports maternal well‑being. The move reflects a cultural shift toward shared parenting responsibilities and acknowledges fathers’ roles at home.
Railway officials hailed the changes, calling them “a progressive step” in employee welfare. They emphasized that these new leave options reduce stress on working parents and promote gender equality in caregiving. Employee unions have praised the policy, noting it boosts morale and reflects changing social realities.
Experts highlight that the 180-day leave period brings Indian Railways in line with global standards, offering comprehensive care options for both mothers and fathers. The inclusion of surrogate and commissioning mothers fills a critical gap that many argue remained overlooked in previous regulations.
Railways have already updated internal guidelines and circulated the new policy among all zones and departments. HR teams are setting up mechanisms for smooth application processes and leave tracking. Workers can now request leave through the internal portal, followed by supervisory approval and HR confirmation.
As society’s definitions of family continue to evolve, this move by the Railways sends a clear signal: India’s largest employer values both modern family setups and shared parenting roles. Employees can now welcome new family members with full institutional backing, marking an important shift in workplace culture nationwide.
