In a move to further make train travels passenger friendly, the ministry of railways has now decided to permit SMS sent by its PSU, Indian Railways Catering & Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), on par with the electronic reservation slip (ERS). This has come into effect from February 1.
So from now on the SMS sent from IRCTC will be enough for making a train journey. However, you have to carry a valid identification document, like voter ID card, passport, PAN card etc, along with you.
Usually, when you book a ticket from the IRCTC website, you receive an SMS containing ticket details like PNR, train number, date of journey. Now the SMS would also have details like name and number of passengers, coach and seat number and fare paid. The SMS may also accommodate the names of all passengers booked on the e-ticket, otherwise maximum number of passengers.
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Earlier the Railways has decided to treat the screen shot of the e-ticket displayed through laptops, palmtops or mobile phones on par with the physical printed tickets. The authorized SMS containing all the aforementioned vital details with valid photo-id in original shall be treated as an instrument on par with the ERS.
Do note that you have to show the SMS during on-board and off-board checking. If you fail to display this SMS due to any eventuality (loss, discharged mobile/laptop etc.) but has the prescribed proof of identity, a penalty of Rs 50 per ticket will be levied.