Now, a simple SMS is your rail ticket

The Indian Railways on Wednesday took mobile ticking to the next level by allowing simple text message from IRCTC to be treated as valid train ticket, provided you carry your ID proof along with it. 

You will, however, be fined a penalty of Rs50 per ticket if you fail to produce/display this SMS due to any eventuality (loss, discharged mobile/laptop, etc) but still carry the prescribed proof of identity. 

“The simple authorised SMS containing all the vital details when displayed through laptops/palmtops/mobile phones combined with valid photo-id in original shall be treated as a valid ticket,’’ reads the circular. ‘’It will not require one to download any software and can be used on simple handsets too. This will take paperless ticketing to the next level and mobile savvy population will surely opt for this,’’ an IRCTC official said.

“Earlier it was decided to allow a screen shot or a JPEG image as a ticket, but now a simple detailed SMS will also do and the ticketing staff will verify the details carefully,’’ an official said.