Carry Your ID: Central Railway Enforces Group Penalties Across PNRs in Month-Long Drive

Central Railway will conduct an intensive ticket-checking drive from October 1 to October 31, 2026, aimed at curbing ticket fraud, verifying passenger credentials, and protecting railway revenue. The enforcement drive will focus on validating reserved quotas, concession-based fares, and official rail passes.

Ticket-checking personnel will inspect tickets at boarding stations and onboard running trains, paying close attention to whether travelers have valid identification to substantiate the fares and quotas booked.

Mandatory ID Rules for Group Bookings

Under standard railway regulations, if multiple passengers travel under a single PNR ticket, at least one passenger named on that booking must carry an original, government-recognized identity proof.

During the October enforcement drive:

• If the required identity proof cannot be produced upon request, all passengers listed on that PNR will be classified as traveling without a valid ticket.
• Standard railway penalties and excess fare charges will be levied on every individual on the ticket.
• Passengers availing of specific concessions or quota allocations must present the relevant documentary proof establishing their eligibility.

Guidelines for Railway Passes and PTOs

Specific protocols apply to rail staff and beneficiaries traveling under privilege facilities:

• Digital Passes and PTOs: Travelers using digital E-Passes or Privilege Ticket Orders (PTO) must carry the original prescribed identification cards.
• Mandatory Exchange: Passengers must ensure their E-Pass or PTO is formally exchanged for an official authority-to-travel before boarding.

Verification and Enforcement

Ticket checking staff will use the handheld TTE mobile application to cross-verify ticket data in real time, especially targeting ticket duplication and unauthorized unreserved travel. The campaign seeks to prevent revenue leakages and deter the misuse of subsidized berths and employee travel privileges across the Central Railway network.