Overview
- The directive was issued in a February 4 letter and reinforced by a February 6 circular to all zonal railways.
- For reserved travel on routes serving the Nepal and Bangladesh borders, at least one passenger in the booking must present an original, prescribed photo ID during the journey or all may be deemed ticketless.
- Accepted IDs include Voter ID, Passport, PAN, Driving Licence, a government photo ID with serial number, a student ID with photo, a nationalised bank passbook with photo, and Aadhaar.
- Passengers availing concessions or booking under special quotas must carry valid proof to establish eligibility.
- Some media report the requirement could extend to all reserved‑class travel across the network, a scope not explicitly confirmed in the official communications.