New Delhi: Passengers travelling with a reserved train ticket booked through someone else’s mobile phone should take note of a new Indian Railways rule. During ticket verification, a screenshot, photo, PDF, or WhatsApp copy of the ticket will not be accepted as valid proof of travel. Instead, passengers must produce the original digital ticket in the RailOne app on the same mobile device that was used to book the ticket.
According to Indian Railways, the measure has been introduced to curb the misuse of digital tickets and strengthen the ticket verification process.
Why did the railways have to issue this clarification?
Recently, during ticket checking, a passenger showed a screenshot received on WhatsApp instead of the original ticket available in the RailOne app. Investigation revealed that the ticket was not available on the original device and was booked after the train had missed. After this, the railways considered the ticket invalid and imposed a fine. After this incident, the Railways has clarified the rules for passengers across the country.
Now, which ticket will be valid during the journey?
According to the railways, an unreserved class digital ticket will be considered valid only if it is available in the RailOne app on the same mobile phone from which the ticket was purchased. If the passenger shows only a screenshot, photo, PDF, or copy received on WhatsApp, it will not be considered a valid travel document. If necessary, a photo identity card will also have to be shown at the time of ticket checking.
To which passengers will the new rule apply?
Railways has clarified that this rule will apply only to unreserved digital tickets booked through the RailOne app. The arrangement for reserved tickets will remain the same as before because identity verification in them is done under a separate process. Therefore, passengers making reservations do not need to worry about this change.
What things do passengers need to keep in mind?
Railways has advised that during the journey, carry the same mobile phone with which the ticket has been booked. The phone’s battery should be sufficient and the ticket should open easily in the RailOne app. If the ticket is not available on the original device or is found to have been issued after missing the train, the passenger may be treated as travelling without a valid ticket and action may be taken under railway rules.
