New Delhi: Indian Railways has clarified that no new rule has been introduced requiring passengers with unreserved tickets to carry only printed copies, dismissing recent media reports that caused confusion among commuters. Railway officials confirmed that passengers can continue to show unreserved tickets on their mobile phones to the ticket examiner (TT), and digital tickets remain fully valid.
Several reports had earlier claimed that commuters travelling with unreserved tickets would now be required to produce only printed tickets. However, Indian Railways has categorically stated that no such directive has come into force, and there has been no change in existing norms regarding mobile-based tickets.
Major Update on Reservation Chart Preparation
In a separate and significant development, Indian Railways has announced a revision in the timing of reservation chart preparation, a move aimed at easing anxiety for passengers holding Waiting List (WL) and Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) tickets.
According to an official circular issued by the Ministry of Railways, the timing for preparing the first reservation chart has been advanced for certain trains. Under the revised guidelines, for trains scheduled to depart between 05:01 hrs and 14:00 hrs, the first reservation chart will now be prepared preferably by 20:00 hrs on the previous day.
Railway officials said the decision was taken to provide passengers with earlier clarity on ticket confirmation, particularly those travelling from remote or rural areas who need to make advance arrangements to reach boarding stations or explore alternative travel options.
Boost to Passenger Convenience
The earlier chart preparation is expected to reduce last-minute uncertainty and improve overall journey planning. Passengers will be able to check their ticket status well in advance and avoid unnecessary travel if tickets remain unconfirmed.
Online Ticket Booking on the Rise
Meanwhile, online train ticket booking through IRCTC continues to dominate passenger preferences. With simplified booking procedures and faster service, most travellers now opt for e-tickets instead of purchasing tickets at railway counters.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on December 3, 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed that more than 87% of all reserved tickets on Indian Railways are now booked online. The growing reliance on digital ticketing highlights the increasing adoption of technology and the railways’ push towards a paperless and passenger-friendly system.
With clarifications on ticket rules and improvements in reservation processes, Indian Railways aims to enhance transparency, convenience and confidence among millions of daily passengers.
