Screenshots or WhatsApp photos of train tickets will not be accepted; new railway rules effective October 1..

Indian Railways New Rules: New Delhi. If you travel by train, here is important news for you. Indian Railways is launching a major month-long campaign against ticketless travel and the misuse of monthly passes and quotas. During this period, passengers must carry valid travel documents as well as proof of identity. Failure to produce proof of identity could result in action being taken, treating the passenger as ticketless.

Central Railway has announced this extensive checking drive in anticipation of the heavy rush at railway stations and on trains during the festive season. Running from October 1 to October 31, the campaign aims to curb the use of fake tickets, unauthorized travel, and quota misuse. According to railway officials, the drive will not be limited to express or long-distance trains; TTE teams will also conduct rigorous checks on local trains and within railway station premises.

**Close scrutiny of concessional tickets and quota holders**
Eligibility for tickets booked under special quotas—such as those for persons with disabilities, senior citizens, or students—will be verified. Railway employees and their family members traveling on e-passes or Privilege Ticket Orders (PTOs) must convert them into valid authority tickets before commencing their journey. Ticket-checking staff will verify ticket authenticity and passenger details on the spot using handheld TTE apps.

**Valid original documents for travel**
If you are traveling on a concessional ticket or under a specific quota, you must present an original proof of identity; photographs on mobile phones or photocopies will not be accepted. In accordance with Indian Railways' rules, the following nine documents are considered valid. Aadhaar Card
Passport
PAN Card
Driving License
Voter Photo ID Card
Photo identity card issued by the Central or State Government
Photo-bearing student identity card issued by a recognized school/college
Nationalized bank passbook with a photograph
Bank credit card with a laminated photograph

Be aware of the strict rules regarding penalties
According to Dr. Swapnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of Central Railway, passengers must strictly adhere to the rules. If more than one passenger is traveling on a single ticket, at least one of them must possess an approved original identity card. Failure to do so may result in all passengers being treated as ticketless travelers. A penalty for ticketless travel will be levied on passengers unable to produce a valid ticket or the required original documents.

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