Patna: Central Railway will conduct an intensive ticket-checking drive from October 1 to October 31, 2026, with checks focused on the validity and authenticity of passenger tickets. The month-long exercise will cover trains and stations and give particular attention to concession fares, specified reservation quotas and railway passes.
Original ID Required For Certain Journeys
Passengers travelling on concession tickets or under specified reservation quotas will be required to carry the prescribed original identity proof and documents establishing their eligibility, according to Central Railway.
For tickets booked for multiple passengers, at least one passenger listed on the ticket must carry the prescribed original identity proof. If the required proof is not produced, the passengers travelling on that ticket may be treated as travelling without a valid ticket under applicable railway rules.
E-Pass And PTO Passengers
Passengers travelling using an E-Pass or Privilege Ticket Order (PTO) must also carry the prescribed original identity proof.
They must additionally ensure that the E-Pass or PTO has been duly exchanged for the prescribed authority to travel before starting the journey, Central Railway said.
Unreserved Tickets Also Under Check
The special drive will not be limited to reserved journeys. Central Railway will also pay particular attention to the genuineness and authenticity of unreserved tickets.
Ticket-checking staff may use the TTE App to verify tickets where required. Officials said the exercise is intended to prevent misuse of reservation facilities, concessions and passes, detect fraudulent or unauthorised tickets and reduce revenue leakage.
Minimum Charge For Ticketless Travel Raised
The minimum additional charge for travelling without a valid ticket or proper travel authority was increased from Rs 250 to Rs 500 with effect from June 20, 2026, under amendments made through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026.
Railway authorities have advised passengers to travel with valid tickets and carry the prescribed original identity and eligibility documents wherever applicable to avoid action under railway rules.
