Travel Without E-Ticket Printout but with Copy on Laptop, Mobile etc. is acceptable by Railways
- Friday, November 4, 2011, 15:08
- Income Tax
- News
Rail passengers needn’t carry a printout of their e-ticket anymore. They can travel by showing an SMS message of the ticket on their mobile phone or a screenshot of it on a laptop/iPad along with original identity proof to be shown to the ticket examiners.
This is part of the green initiative of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to save paper. Earlier, a fine of Rs 50 per ticket was imposed on those travelling without e-ticket printouts. “It is enough if passengers show the screen-shot of their e-ticket displayed on laptop/mobile phone/iPad along with an original idenfication proof,” said a senior IRTC official.
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“Due to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s ( Trai) SMS regulations, a few passengers are not getting the reservation status updates on their phones. But, the issue will be resolved soon. For now, we are providing updates through their registered e-mail,” he said.
Details of the Virtual Reservation Message (VRM) are displayed on the IRCTC website, urging passengers to stop using A4 printouts. About three lakh A4 sheets are expected to be saved across the country every day through this initiative.
Many have welcomed the new initiative. “I won’t have to miss a train anymore while searching for an internet cafe for taking a printout of the e-ticket,” said Cherian Handley, a passenger at Chennai Central. Environmental activists are also happy with the decision. “It is a welcome move and is a good green model for others to follow to save our trees,” said Exnora International founder B Nirmal.
Many internet cafes near railway stations are, however, not pleased. Most of them charge Rs 10-15 for a printout, which includes the internet charge.
Electronic Reservation Slip (ERS) – The printout in standard specified Performa containing reservation particulars, and instructions for use which can be used by the passenger along with the relevant authorized Identification, as travel authority for performing the journey.
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Virtual Reservation Message (VRM) – A screen-shot of the e-ticket displayed through laptops/palmtops/ Mobile phone is referred as Virtual Reservation Message (VRM).
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thanx irctc for taking this initiative…please start sms up gradation confirmation service as soon as possible..thanks again.
I think IRCTC should also start accepting PNR no as an SMS sent by railways on our mobile after booking of E tickets. As they are verifying the person identity so they should also start accepting SMS’s also.
i appreciate the GO GREEN efforts by IRCTC by electronic screen shot acceptance on mobile screen is excellent step to save paper. i am sure we can encourage this more by reminding passengers to go online soon it will save time money energy…for better productive work.