Indian Railways has cleared the confusion surrounding unreserved (general) train tickets, stating that passengers do not need to carry a printed copy of tickets booked through the UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) mobile app.
According to the Railways, showing the ticket digitally through the “Show Ticket” option within the UTS app on the same mobile device used for booking is fully valid during travel. Ticket-checking staff are required to accept the digital ticket, and demanding a printout is incorrect.
The clarification comes after a viral video surfaced online showing a TTE asking a passenger to produce a printed copy of a UTS ticket, leading to widespread confusion among travellers.
In an official statement, the Railway Ministry said that the digital ticket displayed in the app serves as a valid authority to travel. However, passengers who book unreserved tickets from ticket counters or take a physical printout after booking must carry that printed ticket during the journey.
Meanwhile, Indian Railways has also announced a new initiative to enhance passenger experience on Vande Bharat trains. The Railways will now introduce regional dishes based on train routes, allowing passengers to enjoy local flavours during their journey.
Travellers may soon find dishes like kanda poha from Maharashtra, Champaran-style chicken and paneer from Bihar, Andhra Kodi Kura, Dondakaya fry, and Odisha-style aloo phulkopi being served onboard. The initiative aims to reflect India’s culinary diversity while offering passengers a more homely and culturally rich travel experience.