Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 20: Indian Railways has clarified that it has not issued any new instruction making it mandatory for passengers to carry a printed copy of unreserved train tickets, countering media reports that suggested a change in ticketing rules following concerns over digital fraud.
The clarification comes in the wake of a recent incident in Jaipur, where the Railways detected a serious case of ticket fraud involving the use of artificial intelligence (AI). During a routine inspection, ticket-checking staff found that a group of students were travelling by showing tickets on their mobile phones. While the QR code, travel details and fare appeared valid, a deeper verification revealed manipulation.
Railway officials found that AI tools had been used to alter a single unreserved ticket to display the names of seven passengers, enabling all of them to travel using just one ticket. The incident raised concerns about misuse of technology and prompted the Railways to tighten verification mechanisms and issue internal alerts across all divisions.
Following the incident, Indian Railways stressed that digital fraud will not be taken lightly and that inspection procedures have been strengthened. In cases of suspicion, QR codes are scanned to verify the UTS number and colour code, which immediately confirms whether the ticket is genuine. The Railways has also stepped up monitoring of ticket brokers to prevent future misuse.
In an official clarification, the Railways stated that existing rules remain unchanged. Passengers who book unreserved tickets and take a physical print—whether booked online, at ATVMs or ticket counters—are required to carry that printed ticket during the journey.
However, if an unreserved ticket is booked digitally and no physical printout is taken, passengers are permitted to show the digital ticket on the same mobile device from which it was booked for verification purposes. The Railways emphasised that no new instructions have been issued, as claimed in some sections of the media.
The Railways further clarified that the requirement to carry a printed ticket applies only to unreserved tickets issued through UTS, ATVMs or counters when a printout has been generated. E-tickets and m-tickets are exempt from this requirement.
The decision, officials said, is aimed at preventing fake tickets and ensuring safe, secure and transparent travel, without inconveniencing genuine passengers who use authorised digital platforms.
Meanwhile, Indian Railways continues to enhance passenger experience through service upgrades, including the introduction of regional cuisines on Vande Bharat Express trains.
According to an official release from the Ministry of Railways, the initiative aims to offer authentic local flavours and culturally relevant food to passengers, reflecting India’s culinary diversity.
Passengers on various Vande Bharat routes are now being served regional specialities such as Maharashtra’s Kanda Poha, Masala Upma, South Indian Dondakaya Karam Podi Fry, and Andhra Pradesh’s Andhra Kodi Kura. Gujarati dishes such as Methi Thepla and Masala Lauki are also on the menu, along with Odisha’s Aloo Phulkopi.
Kerala’s traditional spread—including white rice, Pachakka Cherupayar Mezhukku Perati, Kadala Curry, Kerala Paratha, plain curd, Palada Payasam and Appam—is being served on select routes, while West Bengal’s Kosha Paneer and Aloo Potol Bhaja, Bihar’s Champaran Paneer and Champaran Chicken, Dogri dishes such as Ambal Kaddu and Jammu Chana Masala, and Kashmiri specialities like Tomato Chaman and Kesar Phirni are also being offered on designated Vande Bharat services.
Indian Railways reiterated that while it is embracing digital convenience and service improvements, robust verification and security checks remain essential to curb fraud and protect passenger interests.