Know these rules before traveling on a Vande Bharat Sleeper train—is a printed ticket mandatory?

If you are planning to travel on a Vande Bharat Sleeper train, you might be wondering: is it mandatory to show a printed ticket to the TTE (Train Ticket Examiner) during the journey? Let’s find out the answer.

When it comes to long-distance travel, many people prefer taking the train so they can sleep comfortably during the journey. Keeping passenger convenience in mind, Indian Railways is continuously introducing modern trains. As part of this initiative, the Railways has launched Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, allowing passengers to complete their journeys comfortably while sleeping, and in less time. If you are planning to travel on a Vande Bharat Sleeper train, this information regarding tickets will be useful for you.

Many people often wonder whether it is mandatory to carry a printed ticket for a Vande Bharat Sleeper train. The answer is no. Passengers are not required to carry a hard copy of their ticket, as Indian Railways accepts digital tickets as well. This means you can present either a printed ticket or an e-ticket.

Only passengers with confirmed tickets may travel.

If you have an e-ticket on your smartphone, you can show it during ticket inspection. However, it is important to note that only passengers with a confirmed ticket are permitted to travel on Vande Bharat Sleeper Express trains; no other passengers are allowed. If you do not have a confirmed ticket, you will not be permitted to travel on the train. Furthermore, violating these rules could lead to action being taken against you.

What if your phone gets stolen or stops working during the journey?

Sometimes, passengers store their tickets on their phones. But what if your mobile phone switches off during the journey—or fails to turn back on for some reason—what should you do in such a situation? If your internet is not working and you are unable to open your digital ticket, there is no need to panic. In such a situation, you can ask a person traveling with you to open the ticket on their phone, or you could request a relative to send you a screenshot of the ticket.

Show your identity proof to the TTE

If your mobile phone is not working, you can present an original identity document—such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or Voter ID—to the TTE (Train Ticket Examiner). The TTE has access to a chart containing your name and booking details, which they can use to verify your ticket. Furthermore, if you happen to remember your PNR number or have it written down somewhere, the process will become much easier.

Which passengers will not be permitted to board?

Please note that only passengers with confirmed tickets are permitted to travel on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. In other words, only those holding a confirmed ticket are allowed to board this train. Passengers with RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) status, those on a waiting list, or those holding partially confirmed tickets will not be allowed to board the train.