Indian Railways travel clarification: Digital unreserved tickets valid without printout

New Delhi: Indian Railways clarified that it has not issued any new directive making it mandatory for passengers to carry a printed copy of unreserved train tickets, rebutting media reports that claimed a change in ticketing rules.

In an official clarification on Friday, the Railways said passengers travelling with unreserved tickets must carry a physical ticket if a printout has been taken, irrespective of whether the ticket was booked online or offline, in line with existing railway norms. However, passengers who book unreserved tickets digitally and do not take a printout are permitted to show the digital ticket on the same mobile device used for booking when asked for verification.

The Railways stressed that no fresh instructions have been issued on this matter and described reports suggesting otherwise as misleading.

Meanwhile, Indian Railways continues to enhance the passenger experience by introducing regional cuisines on Vande Bharat Express trains, aimed at offering authentic local flavours and celebrating India’s culinary diversity.

According to an official statement from the Ministry of Railways, passengers on various Vande Bharat routes are now being served regional specialities such as Maharashtra’s Kanda Poha, Andhra Pradesh’s Andhra Kodi Kura, and South Indian Dondakaya Karam Podi Fry.

Gujarati cuisine features include Methi Thepla on the 20901 MMCT–GNC Vande Bharat Express and Masala Lauki on the 26902 SBIB–VRL Vande Bharat Express, while Odisha’s Aloo Phulkopi is being served on the 22895 Howrah–Puri Vande Bharat Express.

Passengers on the 20633/34 Kasargod–Thiruvananthapuram and 20631/32 Mangaluru–Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express can enjoy a traditional Kerala meal, comprising white rice, Pachakkaya- Cherupayar Mezhukku Peratti, Kadala Curry, Kerala Paratha, plain curd, Palada Payasam and Appam.

West Bengal’s Kosha Paneer is being served on the 20872 Rourkela–Howrah Vande Bharat Express, while Aloo Potol Bhaja is available on the 22895 Howrah–Puri Vande Bharat Express.

From Bihar, signature dishes such as Champaran Paneer are being offered on the 22349 Patna–Ranchi Vande Bharat Express, while Champaran Chicken is available on the 22348 Patna–Howrah Vande Bharat Express.

Dogri cuisine, including Ambal Kaddu and Jammu Chana Masala, is being served on trains 26401–02 and 26403–04, while Kashmiri specialities such as Tomato Chaman and Kesar Phirni are featured on the SVDK–SINA Vande Bharat Express services.

Additionally, Maharashtra’s Masala Upma is available on the 22229 CSMT–Madgaon Vande Bharat Express, while West Bengal’s Murgir Jhol is being served on the 22302 NJP–Howrah Vande Bharat Express.

ANI