WhatsApp Train Ticket Could Cost You a Fine! Indian Railways Issues Fresh Warning

New Delhi: If you travel without reserved train ticket by ordering it on WhatsApp from someone else's mobile, then be careful now. Indian Railways has made it clear that the ticket, its screenshot, photo or PDF sent on WhatsApp during railway checking will not be considered valid. Passengers will have to produce the same digital ticket which is available in the RailOne app on the same mobile phone from which the ticket was booked. Railways says that this system has been implemented to prevent misuse of digital tickets.

Why did the railways have to issue this clarification?

Recently, during ticket checking, a passenger showed a screenshot received on WhatsApp instead of the original ticket available in the RailOne app. Investigation revealed that the ticket was not available on the original device and was booked after the train had missed. After this, the railways considered that ticket invalid and imposed a fine. After this incident, Railways has clarified the rules for passengers across the country.

Now which ticket will be valid during the journey?

According to the railways, an unreserved class digital ticket will be considered valid only if it is available in the RailOne app on the same mobile phone from which the ticket was purchased. If the passenger shows only screenshot, photo, PDF or copy received on WhatsApp, it will not be considered a valid travel document. If necessary, photo identity card will also have to be shown at the time of ticket checking.

To which passengers will the new rule apply?

Railways has clarified that this rule will apply only to unreserved digital tickets booked through the RailOne app. The arrangement for reserved tickets will remain the same as before because identity verification in them is done under a separate process. Therefore, passengers making reservations do not need to worry about this change.

What things do passengers need to keep in mind?

Railways has advised that during the journey, carry the same mobile phone with which the ticket has been booked. The phone's battery should be sufficient and the ticket should open easily in the RailOne app. If the ticket is not available on the original device or is found to have been issued after missing the train, the passenger may be treated as travelling without a valid ticket and action may be taken under railway rules.