Indian Railways is not just a mode of transport but also a lifeline for millions of people. Every day, lakhs of passengers use trains—for work, education, tourism, or visiting family.
Train travel is convenient, affordable, and also plays an important role in strengthening the country’s economy.
But sometimes, losing a ticket before or during the journey becomes a stressful problem. To deal with this, Indian Railways has set simple rules and solutions.
First, know the type of ticket
If your ticket is lost, the first step is to check whether it was a counter ticket or an e-ticket.
Counter tickets are booked at the station by filling a reservation form.
E-tickets are booked online through the IRCTC website or app.
The rules for both cases are different, so identifying the ticket type is important.
What to do if you lose a counter ticket
If your counter ticket is lost before travel, there’s no need to panic. Visit the Chief Reservation Supervisor at the nearest railway station and submit a written request stating your ticket is lost. Along with this, you need to pay a fee:
₹50 for Sleeper Class
₹100 for AC Class
After paying, you’ll be issued a duplicate ticket, which is as valid as the original. You can then continue your journey without any problem.
If the ticket is lost during the journey
If you are already on the train and lose your ticket, immediately contact the TTE (Ticket Checker).
If you have your PNR number, SMS, or screenshot of the ticket, show it.
If not, the TTE can check your details in the reservation chart.
In such cases, you may be allowed to travel, but you might have to pay the full fare again along with a fine.
Forgetting e-ticket or ID
For e-tickets, carrying a valid ID proof is compulsory. If you forget your ID, it is treated as traveling without a ticket.
However, you can still travel on the same berth you booked by paying the ticket fare plus a fine to the TTE. This system makes travel easier, safer, and hassle-free.
Simple precautions to avoid trouble
To ensure a smooth journey, always:
Save a screenshot of your e-ticket on your phone.
Keep a printed copy as a backup.
Store counter tickets safely.
Carry your ticket and ID proof together to avoid problems during the trip.
