Now, produce identity cards to book any railway ticket

The next time you go to buy a general railway ticket for your desired destination, remember u00a0carrying a valid government identity proof such as PAN card or driving licence. For, the Indian Railways have decided to make ID cards mandatory for the purchase of any typeu00a0of tickets, including platform tickets.u00a0

This is being done to boost the security measures in the country.u00a0The decision was taken a few months ago and the proposal was sent to the Railway Board for approval.u00a0Owing to several instances of terrorists or anti-social elements travelling by trains or any other government transport facility, the Central Railway authorities sent a proposal to the Railway Ministry for approval.

According to the railway officials, any valid government ID proof will have to be produced at the ticket counter before buying a ticket. The decision will be implemented in the country in a few months once the Railway Board in New Delhi issues and circulates a formal order notifying all railway divisions across the country.u00a0

Central Railway public relations officer, Y K Singh , said that even platform tickets would be sold only after producing relevant identity cards. "This will curtail free movement of potential anti-social elements making it difficult for them to operate," he said.u00a0

The public relations officer added that one of the reasons behind the decision was to crackdown on touts operating at reservation counters.u00a0"People are constantly harassed by agents and the new rules will keep a check on their proliferation," Singh added. u00a0

At present, only long distance reservations tickets require ID cards, which are checked at the counter during reservation and by the Travelling Ticket Examiner after boarding the train.u00a0