Railways relaxes identity proof norms

Hyderabad: The Ministry of Railways has made some relaxation in the condition of production of original Proof of Identity during train travel, particularly for the passengers belonging to the lower economic classes.

Under this relaxation, attested photocopy of Ration Card with photograph and Nationalised Bank Passbook with photographs shall also be accepted as a prescribed proof of identity only in case of reserved tickets booked through computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters, for undertaking journey in Sleeper (SL) and Second Reserved Sitting (2S) classes.

The photocopy of the Ration Card with photograph and Nationalised Bank Passbook with photograph should be attested by a Gazetted Officer or the Chief Reservation Supervisor or Station Manager/Station Master. This relaxation is not on other types of proofs of identity cards where only original proof will be required during journey.

The above provision is not applicable for all classes of e-tickets and Tatkal tickets and tickets issued through PRS counter for travelling in Air-conditioned classes and First Class. Travelling with these categories of tickets shall continue to be governed by existing instructions.

This provision shall be made effective from January 15, the South Central Railway said in a press release