Indian Railways has issued a strict advisory regarding the use of digital unreserved tickets, clarifying that screenshots, photographs, or PDF copies of tickets shared via WhatsApp are strictly invalid for travel. Passengers found relying on these copies will now be treated as travelling without a valid ticket. To ensure a seamless journey, commuters must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Tickets must be displayed exclusively within the official RailOne mobile application on the original device.
- Passengers must carry the mobile phone used for the initial booking.
- A valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Driving License) must be presented upon request.
- Tickets must be booked before the train departs from the station.
Stricter Enforcement and Penalties
These measures, developed by CRIS for the RailOne app, are designed to eliminate fraudulent practices and curb ticketless travel. The authorities have significantly tightened enforcement, with the minimum fine for ticketless travel increased from ₹250 to ₹500, effective July 1, 2026, alongside the applicable fare. In cases of non-payment, passengers could face legal action, including up to six months of imprisonment.
The necessity for these rules was highlighted by a recent incident on the Korba-Visakhapatnam train, where a passenger was penalised by a Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) for presenting a WhatsApp screenshot of an unreserved ticket that had been booked after the train’s departure. Railways officials have reiterated that any ticket booked after the train has left the station is considered void.
Important Clarifications for Passengers
It is essential to note that these regulations apply strictly to unreserved (general) digital tickets. They do not affect passengers holding confirmed reserved tickets, which follow separate verification protocols. Additionally, travellers should be aware that the 3% discount previously offered on digital payments for unreserved tickets via the RailOne app concluded on July 14, 2026. Passengers are advised to book their tickets well in advance through the official app to avoid unnecessary fines and travel disruptions.