Railways: Screenshots of Unreserved Tickets Not Valid for Travel

Indian Railways has issued a clarification on digital unreserved tickets, stating that screenshots are not valid proof of travel. The national transporter noted that while digital bookings via the RailOne app have gained popularity, many passengers are unaware of the specific rules, which can lead to inconvenience and penalties during the journey.

According to Saurabh Jain, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager of West Central Railway’s Kota Division, an unreserved ticket booked through the RailOne app is valid only on the specific mobile phone where the app is registered and from which the booking was made. A screenshot of a ticket booked by another person, even if shared via WhatsApp or other means, does not constitute valid travel authority.

Passengers are advised to book tickets themselves using their registered mobile phones and carry the same device during the journey. The phone must be switched on and sufficiently charged to display the digital ticket when requested by ticket-checking staff.

The railway official also emphasised that a valid ticket must be obtained before boarding the train. Passengers cannot board without a ticket and then generate one on their mobile phone after noticing ticket-checking staff. Similarly, obtaining a ticket through someone else’s phone and carrying its screenshot does not meet the prescribed digital ticketing requirements.

Key points for RailOne app users include: obtaining a valid ticket before starting the journey, booking only via a registered mobile phone, ensuring the ticket is available on the same phone, and carrying that phone with adequate battery charge. Tickets or screenshots received via WhatsApp are not valid.

The minimum penalty for travelling without a proper ticket or with an irregular ticket has been increased from Rs 250 to Rs 500, effective June 19, 2026.