What Is the Focus of This Drive?
The primary goal of this month-long campaign is to crack down on ticketless and irregular travel, which causes revenue loss and inconveniences genuine passengers. Throughout October, expect a significant increase in ticket checks on both local and long-distance
trains, as well as at station premises. The drive will specifically target the misuse of tickets booked under concessional fares, special reservation quotas, and various railway passes. Officials are verifying not just the validity of tickets, but also the eligibility of passengers claiming special fares.
Original ID Proof Is Now Essential
A key rule being strictly enforced is the requirement for original identity proof. Passengers travelling with concessional tickets or under specific quotas must carry the prescribed original ID to prove their eligibility. Photocopies or images of documents on a phone may not be accepted. Accepted forms of original photo ID include an Aadhaar card, Passport, PAN card, driving licence, Voter ID, a photo ID card issued by a government body, or a recognised student ID card, among others. This is to prevent the fraudulent use of concessions and passes.
New Rules for Group Bookings
The rules for those travelling in groups have also been tightened. If a ticket is booked for more than one person, at least one passenger in that group must carry their prescribed original identity proof during the journey. If no one in the group can produce a valid original ID, railway officials have been instructed to treat all passengers on that ticket as travelling without a valid ticket. This can lead to penalties under the applicable railway rules, so it is crucial for groups to coordinate and ensure someone is carrying the necessary identification.
Unreserved Tickets Also Under Scrutiny
The campaign is not just limited to reserved or concessional travel. Special attention is also being given to verifying the authenticity of unreserved tickets. Ticket-checking staff have been equipped with the TTE App, which can be used to authenticate and verify ticket details on the spot. This measure aims to tackle the issue of forged or altered tickets and plug revenue leakages. The drive comes ahead of the festive season, a period that typically sees a surge in passenger traffic, making rule enforcement even more critical.
What Are the Penalties?
Travelling without a valid ticket or the required documents can result in significant penalties. The minimum penalty for ticketless or unauthorised travel has been increased to ₹500 from the previous ₹250. This amount is charged in addition to the actual fare of the journey. Passengers found to be misusing concessions or quotas without being able to prove their eligibility will be treated as travelling without a valid ticket and will be subject to these rules. The railways have urged all passengers to cooperate with checking staff and ensure they have all necessary documents before starting their journey to avoid any inconvenience.
