Indian Railways has introduced a crucial change in its ticket verification process, making it mandatory for passengers to carry a printed copy of unreserved tickets issued through UTS, ATVMs, or physical ticket counters. The move comes amid growing concerns over digital fraud and misuse of technology, particularly the use of artificial intelligence to generate fake tickets that appear genuine during routine checks.

This decision marks a significant shift in how unreserved travel tickets are validated across the rail network.

Why Indian Railways Is Mandating Physical Tickets

The railways’ decision is rooted in rising security risks associated with digitally displayed tickets. Officials have raised alarms over the increasing sophistication of AI-based tools that can replicate ticket layouts, QR codes, and fare details with high accuracy.

According to railway authorities, relying solely on mobile displays has created vulnerabilities that are difficult to detect during quick inspections, especially on crowded routes and short-distance trains.

The Incident That Triggered the Rule Change

The issue came to light following a recent incident on the Jaipur routewhere ticket-checking staff encountered a group of students travelling with mobile tickets that appeared valid at first glance. The QR codes scanned successfully, and the displayed travel details matched the journey.

However, upon deeper system-level verification, officials discovered that the tickets were AI-generated fakesdesigned to mimic authentic unreserved tickets. This incident highlighted how advanced digital manipulation could bypass standard checks, prompting the railways to act swiftly.

Why Mobile Tickets Are Now Under Scrutiny

Mobile tickets, while convenient, can be easily edited, replicated, or generated using AI toolsmaking it harder for on-board staff to differentiate between genuine and fake tickets in real time. Screenshots, cloned QR codes, and manipulated ticket formats have become increasingly common in fraud cases.

Railway officials believe that printed tickets provide a clearer audit trailreduce duplication, and make on-the-spot verification more reliable.

Which Tickets Require a Printed Copy?

Under the new rule, passengers must carry a printed ticket if they are travelling on unreserved tickets issued via:

• UTS mobile app


• Automatic Ticket Vending Machines (ATVMs)


• Physical ticket counters

However, the rule does not apply to:

• Reserved e-tickets


• MT-CUT tickets

These categories continue to follow existing verification norms.

What This Means for Passengers

Passengers travelling without a printed copy of an unreserved ticket may be treated as ticketlesseven if the ticket is visible on a mobile phone. Railway authorities say the measure is necessary to protect revenue, maintain system integrity, and stay ahead of evolving digital fraud tactics.

With AI-driven misuse on the rise, Indian Railways has signalled that physical verification remains the most reliable safeguard for unreserved travel.