Screenshots or WhatsApp tickets won't work; Railways issues new advisory

Indian Railways has issued an important rule for those booking unreserved tickets via the Rail One App. Now, only the original digital ticket within the app will be valid during the journey. Passengers may face a fine if they present a screenshot, photo, or PDF.

Rail One App Ticket Rules: If you book unreserved train tickets using the Rail One App, this news is crucial for you. Indian Railways has clarified that during ticket checks, only the original digital ticket available within the Rail One App will be considered valid. Tickets will not be accepted if presented as a screenshot, a copy sent via WhatsApp, a photo, or a PDF, and the passenger could be fined.

The Railways states that this step has been taken to prevent the misuse of digital tickets and to make the ticket verification process more secure.

What is the new Railway rule?

According to the Railways, an unreserved ticket booked via the Rail One App must be shown on the same mobile phone used to book it during the journey.

In other words:

• Only the original ticket within the Rail One App will be valid.
• The ticket must be available on the registered mobile number.
• It is mandatory to show the original digital ticket to the ticket-checking staff.

Which tickets will not be accepted?

The Railways has clarified that tickets presented via the following methods will not be valid:

• Screenshots.
• Photos of the ticket.
• PDF copies.
• Tickets forwarded via WhatsApp.
• Copies sent via other messaging apps.
• Presenting a ticket through any of these methods will result in it being considered invalid.

By when must the ticket be booked?

• The Railways has clarified another important rule:
• An unreserved digital ticket must be booked before the train departs from the boarding station.
• If a ticket is booked after the train has left the station, it will be considered invalid, even if it appears in the Rail One App.

Why was a female passenger fined?

Recently, a female passenger traveling on the Korba-Visakhapatnam Link Express presented a screenshot of a ticket—sent to her by her brother via WhatsApp—during a ticket check. The investigation revealed that:

• The ticket was booked after the train had departed.
• The ticket was not available on the passenger's registered mobile number.
• Only a screenshot was shown.
• In accordance with railway rules, the ticket was deemed invalid, and a fine was imposed on the passenger.

What precautions should passengers take during the journey?

The Railways has also issued some important advice to passengers:

• Carry the same mobile phone used to book the ticket.
• Ensure the mobile battery is sufficiently charged.
• Check the station, date, and other details on the ticket before starting the journey.
• Do not rely on screenshots or forwarded tickets.
• Keep the ticket accessible within the Rail One App itself.

Will this rule apply to reserved tickets as well?

• No.
• The Railways has clarified that this rule applies only to unreserved digital tickets booked via the Rail One App.
• In the case of reserved tickets, verification is already conducted using identity proof; therefore, this new rule will not apply to them.

Why did the Railways make this change?

• With the increasing use of digital tickets, instances of unauthorized travel using screenshots and forwarded copies have come to light.

Objectives of the new system:

• To ensure the authenticity of the ticket.
• To curb the use of fake tickets.
• To make ticket verification secure.
• To enhance transparency in the digital ticketing system.

Key points for passengers:

• The original ticket will be valid only within the Rail One App.
• Screenshots, WhatsApp messages, and PDFs will not be accepted.
• The ticket must be on the same mobile phone and registered number used for the booking.
• An unreserved ticket purchased after the train has departed will not be valid.
• A fine may be imposed for violating the rule.