Indian Railways is running a special ticket-checking campaign from October 1 to October 31Passengers who cannot show original ID proof while travelling will be treated as ticketless and could face a heavy fineHere’s what the new rules say.
Published: September 30, 2026, 6:41 PM IST
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Indian Railways will no longer accept screenshots and WhatsApp images of ticketsRepresentational image
Travelling by train? Here’s something you should knowIndian Railways is running a month-long campaign against ticketless travellers and those breaking monthly pass or quota rulesKeep a valid ticket or pass handy, and carry an ID as well, because passengers without one may face action.
The festive season means packed stations and trains, and Central Railway is responding with a month-long ticket-checking drive starting October 1The aim is to stop fake tickets, illegal travel and quota misuseOfficials say it isn’t just express and long-distance trains that will be checked: TTEs will also be strictly checking local trains and station premises.
Consessional ticket, quota holders to be monitored closely
- The eligibility of tickets booked under Divyang, Senior Citizen, Student or other special quotas will be checked.
- Railway employees and their family members travelling on e-pass or privilege ticket order will be required to convert it into a valid authority ticket before travelling.
- Ticket checking staff will verify the authenticity of tickets and passenger details on-the-spot through the handheld TTE app.
Which documents will be valid for travel?
Anyone travelling on a concessional ticket or under a quota will need to present their original IDIndian Railways does not accept mobile photos or photocopies as proofAccording to its regulations, nine documents qualify as valid ID.
- Aadhar card
- Passport
- PAN card
- Driving License
- Voter Photo ID Card
- Photo identity card issued by the Central or State Government
- Student ID card having photo issued by a recognized school/college
- Nationalised bank passbook with photograph
- Bank credit card with laminated photo
What are the rules related to fines?
There’s no room for slack hereWhen a group travels on one ticket, at least one person needs an approved original ID card, or everyone in the group could be counted as ticketlessAnd if you can’t show a valid ticket or the required original document, expect to pay the ticketless travel penalty.
