Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 12: Indian Railways has introduced a new shared season ticket facility on the RailOne app, allowing registered users to book season tickets not only for themselves but also for up to five other passengers, including family members.
The new facility came into effect on September 9, according to railway officials. Saurabh Jain, Senior Divisional Commercial Manager, Kota, said a season ticket booked for the registered user becomes valid on the same day after successful geographical verification. However, a season ticket booked for another passenger becomes valid from the following day.
The minimum age for booking a season ticket for oneself is 18 years. For booking a season ticket for another passenger, the passenger must be at least five years old, Jain said.
A season ticket enables passengers to make multiple journeys between two specified stations in Second Class. For both suburban and non-suburban sections, season tickets can generally be issued for journeys covering a maximum distance of 150 km. The facility is available to both general passengers and students.
However, season ticket holders cannot travel in reserved coaches or on trains where distance-based travel restrictions apply.
During travel, passengers can carry either a printed copy of the shared season ticket or display its PDF version on a mobile phone. The ticket will contain the passenger's photograph and a QR code, which ticket-checking staff can scan using handheld terminals for verification.
Passengers have been advised to carry the valid season ticket, as the booking receipt or invoice alone will not be accepted for travel.
Railways has also advised passengers to ensure that the QR code remains clear and readable while travelling. If a ticket's authenticity cannot be verified because the QR code is damaged or unreadable, action may be taken according to railway rules.
The RailOne app, also known as Indian Railways' Super App, serves as a single digital platform for several railway passenger services. It enables users to book unreserved, reserved and platform tickets and provides access to integrated services including IRCTC Rail Connect, National Train Enquiry System (NTES), Rail Madad and Food on Track.
The shared season ticket facility is aimed at making regular train travel more convenient by allowing registered users to manage season tickets for other eligible passengers through the same digital platform.