Central Railway to run special ticket checks in October; some passengers must carry original ID

Passengers travelling by rail should note that a valid ticket alone is no longer enough. Some passengers will also have to carry the prescribed original identity document. If it cannot be produced, action of the kind taken against travelling without a ticket may follow, even if the passenger holds a ticket.

Central Railway will run a special ticket-checking drive between October 1 and October 31, 2026. Checks will be held at railway stations as well as in moving trains.

Inspectors will not only look at whether a passenger has a ticket. They will also test whether the ticket is genuine and valid. Tickets bought at concessional rates, bookings made under a special reservation quota and bookings made on various kinds of passes will also be checked, as will whether the passenger is eligible for the concession.

Passengers who have bought a ticket at a concessional rate or under a special reservation quota must carry the prescribed original ID that proves their eligibility. Those who cannot show it during a ticket check may face trouble. Under railway rules, action of the kind taken against travelling without a ticket is likely in such cases.

A rule also applies where a single ticket covers more than one passenger. On such a ticket, at least one passenger must carry the prescribed original ID recorded on the ticket. Those travelling with family or friends should therefore keep the ID in mind along with the ticket. Passengers on concessional tickets should not leave eligibility documents at home.

While travelling by train in October, carry a valid ticket. If a concession or special reservation has been availed, keep the prescribed original ID required for it. Before the journey, also check that the details on the ticket and the ID are correct and match.

In view of Central Railway's special drive, passengers should travel only after following railway rules. Action can be taken even against a holder of a valid ticket if the required ID is missing, so the matter should be taken seriously.