The Indian Railways has clarified that passengers travelling with digital unreserved (general) tickets booked through the RailOne app must show the original ticket on the app during ticket checking.
According to the new rule, screenshots, photos, PDF copies or tickets shared through WhatsApp or other messaging apps will not be accepted as valid proof of travel. The clarification came after a passenger was fined for showing a WhatsApp screenshot instead of the original digital ticket.
Railways has also said that passengers must carry the same mobile phone that was used to book the ticket, along with a valid photo ID, during the journey.
In addition, digital unreserved tickets must be booked before the train departs. Tickets booked after the train has left the station will not be considered valid.
The South East Central Railway has also confirmed that tickets booked through the RailOne app are valid only on the registered mobile device used for booking.
The rule has triggered criticism on social media, with many people saying it could create difficulties for elderly passengers and those who do not use smartphones. Some users also questioned how the rule would work if a family member books the ticket for someone else.