Raipur: If you are traveling by train, purchase unreserved (general) tickets either personally from a railway counter or book them online using your own mobile phone. If you have a ticket generated on someone else’s mobile and show it to the TTE (Traveling Ticket Examiner) via WhatsApp or a screenshot, it will be considered invalid, and you will face a hefty fine.
Young woman caught on the Korba-Visakhapatnam train
A similar incident occurred on the Korba-Visakhapatnam Link Express, where a young woman had to pay a penalty due to this oversight. Train No. 18517 (Korba-Visakhapatnam Link Express) departed from Korba station at 4:10 PM. A young woman on board did not have a ticket. Upon seeing the TTE approaching, she hurriedly called her brother, had a ticket booked via an app, and received a screenshot of it on WhatsApp. When the TTE checked the ticket, the booking time recorded was 4:45 PM—meaning the ticket was purchased after the train had already departed. Under railway rules, the ticket was declared invalid, and a fine was collected from the woman.
New Rules: Fine Amount Doubled
Effective June 19, 2026, the Railways has doubled the fine amount for those traveling without a ticket or with an irregular ticket, as part of stricter enforcement measures. The minimum fine for traveling without a valid ticket has been raised from ₹250 to ₹500. Additionally, the applicable fare must be paid separately.
Keep these points in mind while traveling:
Purchase tickets beforehand: Always begin your journey with a valid ticket. Bookings made after the train has departed will not be valid.
Registered mobile required: If you are booking an unreserved ticket via the ‘Rail One App,’ the ticket must be on the same phone where the app is registered.
Screenshots invalid: Screenshots, WhatsApp images, or photocopies of tickets will not be considered valid under any circumstances. Keep your battery charged: Ensure your mobile phone has sufficient charge to show the digital ticket to the TTE. You could face a fine if your phone runs out of battery.
If you are traveling by train, always book your ticket before the journey begins and use your own registered mobile number. Traveling with a screenshot of a ticket received via WhatsApp or an unreserved ticket booked from someone else’s mobile can prove costly. By adhering to the new railway rules, you can avoid fines and unnecessary hassle.
