Indian Railways remains the backbone of India’s transport sector, famous for its extensive network that links nearly every major city and town. Apart from being a favorite with millions of people, it is also a vital contributor to the economy of India.
But most passengers are concerned about one thing when they are traveling: What if the ticket gets lost or damaged? Will they be evicted from the train? Let us examine carefully what the official policy states.
Traveling Without a Valid Ticket
In case you are caught traveling without a ticket, Indian Railways has stringent penalties:
Penalty and Fare: You’ll need to pay the normal fare for the distance covered, as well as a penalty. The penalty can either be Rs 250 minimum or twice the price of the ticket—whichever is greater.
Refusal to Pay: In case the passenger doesn’t pay the penalty, ‘the TTE may deboard you at the next station and hand you over to the Railway Police’.
Can You Buy a Ticket After Boarding
Yes, in some cases. If you travel without a ticket but you want to buy one en route, it’s permitted—but only if there’s an empty seat. Expect to pay the standard fare plus a surcharge.
Lost or Ripped Ticket? Here’s What You Can Do
Passengers with a torn or lost ticket are not considered ticketless. You can approach the TTE onboard to request a duplicate ticket.
To receive the duplicate, you need:
- Produce a valid ID evidence
- Pay a small fee for the re-issued ticket
If you’re traveling on an online ticket (booked through IRCTC), don’t worry. As long as you have access to your e-ticket on your phone, “you can display your e-ticket on your mobile to the TTE, and it will be honored as valid.”
Refund Policy for Delayed Trains
In case your train is delayed by over three hours, you can get a refund. You will have to submit a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) to avail it.
Emergency Assistance for Passengers
If any problem, be it theft, harassment, or assault happens to you while on board, you can call the Railway Helpline number 139 or alert the TTE or Railway Police to get help at the moment.
