Central Railway to run month-long ticket checks from October 1; Rs 500 fine without original ID
Central Railway will check tickets across its network from October 1 to 31, and passengers without original ID proof or using wrong concessions face penalties.
Crowding on trains rises during the festival season, and so does ticketless travel. To curb this, Central Railway has launched a special ticket-checking drive. It will run from October 1 to October 31, 2026, a full month.
The checks will be carried out on all Central Railway routes, in local trains and at railway stations. Tickets shown on WhatsApp or as screenshots will no longer be accepted. Passengers who do not carry original ID proof, or who have used a wrong concession, could be in for a costly experience.
Ticket-checking staff will now verify passengers' tickets and concessions digitally using the "TTE App". The aim is to avoid inconvenience during the festival period and to curb fraud. The drive will focus closely on three things. First, concessional tickets, meaning those bought under student, senior citizen, divyang and other concessions. Second, special quotas and passes, meaning railway employees' E-Passes, PTO and group bookings. Third, ticketless and irregular travel, including close watch on those travelling in the wrong coach.
Passengers travelling on any concession or quota must carry original ID proof. Photos on mobile phones, screenshots or photocopies will not be accepted.
Accepted documents include a PAN card, passport, driving licence and Voter ID. A photo ID issued by the central or a state government, a photo ID from a recognised school or college, a nationalised bank passbook with a photograph, or a laminated credit card will also be valid. Any other original ID prescribed under government rules will also be accepted.
Where several people travel on a single PNR or ticket, at least one passenger named on the ticket must carry original ID proof. Otherwise, all passengers on that ticket will be treated as travelling without a ticket.
According to information given by the railway administration, the penalty for those caught travelling without a ticket or without valid travel documents has been increased. A minimum fine of Rs 500 will now be levied, up from Rs 250. Passengers must also pay the fare for the journey as prescribed by the rules, separately from the Rs 500.
Those travelling on E-Passes or PTO meant for railway employees and their families must also complete all legal procedures. The Central Railway administration has appealed to passengers to carry original ID proof and a valid ticket when travelling by train in October.
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