Indian Railways Enforces Stricter ID Checks for Train Travel: What Families and Groups Need to Know
Indian Railways has ramped up identity verification rules for reserved coaches, mandating that at least one passenger per group ticket carries original ID proof during ticket checks. This move, highlighted in a recent Railway Board circular by Director Sanjay Manocha, targets smoother enforcement nationwide, especially near borders like Indo-Nepal and Indo-Bangladesh areas. Without it, entire groups risk penalties as ticketless travelers, building on long-standing guidelines now under tighter scrutiny.
Core ID Requirements
Travelers under one PNR—whether families, friends, or tour groups—must produce one valid original ID from approved options like Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN card, passport, driving license, or government-issued photo ID with serial number. Digital copies via DigiLocker or mAadhaar work only alongside originals in most cases, while photocopies alone won’t suffice during TTE inspections. Children under 5 skip ID needs entirely, but half-ticket kids aged 5-12 may require basic proof if concessions apply; always check class-specific rules for AC, Sleeper, or General. Special quota users, such as seniors or students, face extra demands to show eligibility documents on the spot.
Why the Push Now?
Authorities cite rising passenger volumes and security concerns, particularly in border zones where unauthorized travel spikes risks. The February 2026 circular urges all zones to drill down compliance, treating ID lapses as serious violations that could lead to fines or deboarding. This aligns with broader efforts to curb misuse in Tatkal bookings and concessions, ensuring genuine passengers aren’t shortchanged by fakes.
Amid these checks, Indian Railways posted solid gains: freight revenue climbed 1.61% to Rs 1.71 lakh crore from Rs 1.68 lakh crore in FY24, thanks to steady loads of coal, iron ore, food grains, and cement. Passenger footfall jumped over 5% year-on-year to 715 crore trips between April 2024 and March 2025, driven by reserved class demand—still trailing FY20’s 808 crore pre-pandemic high but signaling strong recovery. Ministry data credits consistent operations and demand rebound for this uptick.
Pack your primary ID upfront and brief group members on the one-ID-per-PNR norm to dodge onboard hassles. For concessions, carry both ticket concession proof and personal ID; border routes demand extra vigilance. Frequent travelers should link Aadhaar to IRCTC accounts early for seamless e-tickets and Tatkal access under new OTP rules. Staying prepared keeps journeys hassle-free amid Railways’ growth phase.
