New Delhi: Railway passengers will face stricter ticket checks from October 1 as Central Railway begins an intensive checking drive across its trains and
stations. The exercise will continue until October 31, 2026 with special attention on passengers travelling on concession tickets, fixed reservation quotas and different types of passes.
Officials have said passengers using these facilities will need to carry valid identity proof and produce it when asked by railway staff. The checks will also cover unreserved tickets, particularly where officials suspect that a ticket may have been altered, forged or misused.
ID rules for passengers on shared tickets
Passengers travelling on a ticket booked for more than one person also need to be careful. At least one passenger named on the ticket must carry valid ID during the journey whether the ticket has been booked at the normal fare or under a concession.
If the required identity proof cannot be produced during checking, all passengers travelling on that ticket may be treated as travelling without a valid ticket. They could then face action or a penalty under railway rules.
Passengers using fixed concessions or reserved quotas will also have their eligibility checked against their identity proof. Simply having the ticket will not be enough if the required ID cannot be shown.
E-pass and PTO users face additional checks
The checking drive will also cover railway employees and their families travelling on E-Passes and PTOs. Those using an E-Pass or PTO must carry their original ID throughout the journey.
Before boarding the train, they must also ensure that the E-Pass or PTO has been converted into the required authority to travel. Failure to complete this process could result in the passenger being treated as travelling without a valid ticket and facing the applicable penalty.
Unreserved tickets also under scanner
Central Railway will verify the genuineness of unreserved tickets as well. Officials can use the TTE app to check tickets on the spot if there are doubts about their validity.
According to officials, the drive is aimed at preventing misuse of reservation facilities, fraudulent use of concessions and passes and revenue loss to the railways. Passengers should therefore keep their original ID and ensure their ticket, pass or concession is valid before travelling.
