Planning to travel by train with an unreserved ticket booked on your phone? There is an important rule you should know.
Indian Railways has clarified that simply showing a screenshot of your mobile ticket will not be accepted during ticket checking.
Even if someone sends the ticket to you through WhatsApp, the ticket may not be considered valid. This could lead to problems during the journey and even a fine.
Ticket Must Be Shown on the Same Mobile Phone
According to the Kota division of West Central Railway, unreserved tickets booked through the RailOne app are valid only on the mobile phone registered with the app.
For example, if a ticket is booked using another person’s phone and the ticket screenshot is sent to you on WhatsApp, you cannot use that screenshot as a valid ticket.
Passengers must show the same mobile phone used to book the ticket when the ticket is checked.
The phone should also be switched on and have enough battery to display the digital ticket.
You Cannot Book the Ticket After Boarding
Railways has also reminded passengers that they must have a valid ticket before boarding the train.
You cannot board the train without a ticket and then try to book an unreserved ticket on your phone after seeing the ticket-checking staff.
A ticket booked after boarding without a valid ticket will not make the journey valid.
There is another important point. Since June 19, 2026, the minimum fine for travelling without a valid ticket or with an incorrect ticket has increased from Rs 250 to Rs 500.
Keep These Rules in Mind Before Your Journey
If you use the RailOne app to book an unreserved ticket, remember these points:
Book your ticket before boarding the train.
Use your registered mobile number to book the ticket.
Keep the ticket on the same phone used for booking.
A WhatsApp ticket or screenshot will not be accepted.
Carry the registered mobile phone throughout your journey.
Keep the phone switched on and make sure it has enough battery.
Following these simple rules can help you avoid unnecessary trouble during ticket checking.
So, before boarding your next train, don’t rely on a screenshot. Keep the original digital ticket on the registered mobile phone.
