The Unreserved Ticket System (UTS), introduced by Indian Railways, has made it easier for millions of daily commuters to buy tickets without standing in long queues. The UTS mobile app allows passengers to book tickets digitally, offering convenience and efficiency. However, a common question that arises is whether showing a screenshot of a UTS ticket is acceptable while traveling.
In this article, we will explore whether a screenshot of a UTS ticket is valid for travel and what rules Indian Railways has set in this regard.
The UTS Mobile App: A Game Changer
The UTS mobile app, launched by Indian Railways, allows passengers to book unreserved tickets, season passes, platform tickets, and more through their smartphones. This digital initiative has significantly reduced the dependency on paper tickets, and passengers can now book tickets on the go, making local and short-distance travel more seamless.
However, the convenience of booking through the app doesn’t mean that passengers can cut corners when it comes to following the rules. There are specific guidelines in place regarding how passengers must present their tickets, and this brings us to the question of whether a screenshot of a UTS ticket is valid.
Is a Screenshot of a UTS Ticket Valid?
No, you cannot show a screenshot of a UTS ticket as valid proof of travel. Indian Railways has clearly stated that passengers must show the active ticket within the UTS mobile app during ticket checking. A screenshot or a photo of the ticket will not be considered valid by ticket inspectors.
Here’s why:
- Real-time Validation:
When a ticket is booked through the UTS app, it is stored digitally and can only be verified using the app itself. The app provides real-time ticket information, including details like train number, journey date, class, and station, and it ensures that the ticket is valid at the time of travel. A screenshot, however, cannot provide real-time validation, which is crucial for Indian Railways to prevent misuse. - Ticket Activation:
For mobile tickets, passengers must activate their tickets before the journey begins. Once a ticket is activated, it is marked as valid for the specified time or distance. A screenshot may be taken before the ticket is activated, and there’s no way for ticket inspectors to verify whether the ticket shown in the screenshot is still valid. Therefore, inspectors rely on the app to check if the ticket has been correctly activated. - Security Concerns:
Using a screenshot could potentially lead to ticket fraud. For instance, someone might misuse a screenshot by sharing it with others who haven’t purchased a ticket. To prevent this, Indian Railways only accepts tickets displayed in the official UTS app, where each ticket is tied to the passenger’s mobile device and account.
What Happens if You Show a Screenshot?
If a passenger shows a screenshot of their UTS ticket during ticket checking, they will be treated as if they are traveling without a valid ticket. This could lead to penalties, including fines or removal from the train, as per Indian Railways rules. To avoid this situation, passengers should always ensure that their ticket is available within the UTS app and properly activated before boarding the train.
How to Use the UTS App Correctly
Here are some tips to ensure you’re using the UTS app correctly and avoid any issues while traveling:
- Activate the Ticket Before Boarding: Always activate your mobile UTS ticket before you start your journey. The activation process ensures that the ticket is valid and ready for inspection.
- Keep Your Phone Charged: Since you need to show the ticket within the app, make sure your phone has enough battery life for the duration of your journey. If your phone dies and you cannot show the ticket, you may face penalties for traveling without a valid ticket.
- Do Not Depend on Screenshots: As discussed, screenshots are not valid. Always keep the UTS app open and ready to show your ticket to the ticket inspector.
- Ensure Good Network Connectivity: While the UTS app can work offline once a ticket is downloaded, ensure that your phone has good connectivity during the booking and activation process.
Conclusion
In other words, the ticket holder cannot present a screenshot taken of the ticket as proof of travel with UTS. Indo railways rules and instructions require the passenger to reveal a live activated ticket within the UTS application during checks. In order to not get penalized or inconvenienced it is important to follow the correct procedures and where the active ticket as needed.
Passengers should continue to use the UTS app appropriately and follow these rules to make the usage of electronic tickets seamless.