The Identity Verification Requirements for E-Tickets on Indian Trains

When traveling on Indian trains, passengers using e-tickets are required to provide valid proof of identity upon boarding. This article delves into the requirements, the current practice, and the various forms of identification accepted by the Indian Railways.

Required Identity Proofs for E-Tickets

According to Indian Railways regulations, each passenger holding an e-ticket must present an original valid photo ID at the time of boarding. Passengers can be asked to produce this ID by a Tatkal Officer (TC) or any other train staff. The following documents are considered acceptable forms of ID:

Aadhar Card Passport Voter ID Pan Card Driving License Any other government-issued photo ID

It is mandatory for each individual passenger to carry their own ID, as the ticket is linked to the identity of the traveler. If an ID is not provided, the passenger may be denied boarding or face penalties.

The Current Practice of Identity Verification

Over the years, the Indian Railways have become more lenient in their enforcement of the identity verification policy. As per recent experiences, Tatkal Officers tend to maintain a low profile and have reduced their aggressive level of scrutiny. It is sufficient for one passenger within the compartment to provide the berth numbers and the total number of passengers to the TC.

According to anecdotal evidence, this relaxed approach has been in place for more than five years, especially since the introduction of mobile apps for ticket management and verification. This relaxed practice applies to all reserved classes, as details of all passengers can now be readily accessed through such applications.

Prescribed ID Proofs and Updated Regulations

The prescribed ID proofs for e-ticket holders have an updated list that includes:

Voter Photo Identity Card: Issued by the Election Commission of India Passport: Issued by the relevant government department PAN Card: Issued by the Income Tax Department Driving Licence: Issued by the RTO Photo Identity Card with Serial Number: Issued by Central/State Government, Public Sector Undertaking, State/Central Government District Administration, Municipal bodies, and Panchayat Administration Student Identity Card: Issued by recognized schools/colleges Nationalized Bank Passbook: With bank seal and signature of bank official partially overlapping on the photograph of the account holder Credit Cards: With laminated photograph issued by banks E-Aadhaar: Digital ID Proof, including M-Aadhaar Aadhaar Card: Issued in the “Issued” section of the DigiLocker app is valid, but documents shown in the “Uploaded” section are not

In summary, while the identity verification policy remains strict, the current practice allows for a more relaxed enforcement, especially for passengers traveling in reserved classes. It is always best to have an ID for a smooth journey.

Note: This article is based on current knowledge and experiences. Conditions may change, and it is advisable to consult the official Indian Railways website for the latest updates on travel policies.

HAPPY JOURNEY!!!