Soon, carry ID card when you book a railway ticket

CHENNAI: The Railways is soon going to make it mandatory for passengers buying any type of ticket to carry a valid government identity proof such as PAN card or driving licence. This move has been taken in a bid to improve security at railway stations and curb anti-social elements. Earlier, one had to produce an ID card only while travelling in a reserved compartment.

Confirming the move, Southern Railway chief public relations officer V J Accamma said Indian Railways had decided to make ID cards mandatory for the purchase of any type of tickets, including platform tickets. This would also help the railway authorities to crack down on touts operating at reservation counters and help weed out multiple reservations being made on fake names by travel agents.

The modalities are being worked out for issuing general and platform tickets as most of those who travel in this class are from the lower strata of society and may not possess any type of ID card. Railway officials said though the decision was taken a few months ago, the proposal was still awaiting the nod of the railway ministry.
At present, only long distance reservations tickets require ID cards, which are checked at the counter during reservation and by the travelling ticket examiner after boarding the train. A few months ago, about 92 tickets worth Rs 72,500 were seized from touts. During the weekend and festive season, tickets for long distance trains were being sold at exorbitant rates violating booking rules.

Over 25 touts have been arrested so far. Now, the booking process at nine centres in the city, including Chennai Central, Egmore, Tambaram, Mambalam, Chennai Beach and Tambaram, is being videographed .

As per rules, only agents recognized by the railways are permitted to sell tickets. A couple of years ago, Southern Railway stopped giving fresh licences and began issuing temporary renewal to existing agents.