Indian Railways has introduced a strict policy for passengers travelling with unreserved (general) tickets, making it mandatory to use the official ‘Rail One’ mobile application for ticket verification. With immediate effect, railway officials will no longer accept screenshots, PDF copies, or photocopies of mobile tickets during inspections. To ensure a seamless journey, passengers must keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Only tickets displayed within the ‘Rail One’ app on the registered mobile device are valid.
- Tickets must be purchased before the train departs from the boarding station.
- Screenshots and forwarded digital copies are strictly prohibited and will be treated as invalid.
- Passengers must carry a valid photo ID like an Aadhaar card, Voter ID, or driving license.
Strict Verification and Penalties
This initiative is designed to prevent ticket misuse and streamline the verification process for ticket examiners. The railway administration has clarified that a ticket is only considered legitimate if it is accessed directly through the passenger’s registered mobile number and device. Any attempt to present a ticket booked after the train has departed will result in the passenger being treated as travelling without a valid ticket, leading to the imposition of heavy fines.
The urgency of this rule was highlighted by a recent incident on the Korba-Visakhapatnam Link Express, where a passenger was fined for presenting a forwarded WhatsApp screenshot of a ticket that was also booked after the train’s departure. Following this, the South East Central Railway (SECR) released an advisory on social media platform ‘X’, urging all passengers to ensure their mobile phones are charged and the app is functional before boarding.
Addressing Passenger Concerns
While the move aims to digitise and secure the ticketing process, it has raised concerns among certain sections of society, particularly the elderly who may find it difficult to navigate mobile applications or rely on family members for booking tickets. Railway authorities emphasize that this rule pertains specifically to unreserved tickets, as reserved tickets already undergo a standard identity verification process. Passengers are advised to familiarise themselves with the ‘Rail One’ application to avoid any inconvenience or penalties during their travel. Always ensure you have your original ticket ready on your device to ensure a hassle-free journey across the Indian Railways network.