With a view to eliminate any fraud such as tampering of Electronic Reservation Slips (ERS), overcharging and other issues by Authorised Agents issuing e-tickets for train journies, the South Central Railway will take up public awareness campaign on e-ticketing. In this connection, passengers have been asked to be conversant with the procedures regarding booking of e-tickets through Authorised Agents in order to avoid any problem.
According to the SCR, The passengers need to check if it is an Authorized Agent Outlet before booking their ticket. The details of Authorized Agent Outlets are available on the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website: www.irctc.co.in. Further, they should verify that the photo-ID and the authorization certificate of the Agent are prominently displayed at the agent outlet.
Passengers should invariably fill up the booking/cancellation request slip for the booking/cancellation of the e-tickets. They should insist that their mobile numbers are fed into the system correctly by the Agent. Passengers will receive a SMS containing details of their booking including fare and service charges from the IRCTC immediately as confirmation of the booking. This SMS serves as a valid ticket. Passengers may show it to Travelling Ticket Examinor along with their proof of identity during travel. Passengers need not carry a printout of the e-ticket. This measure will help save paper towards creating greener environment.
After taking the printout of the ticket, the passengers should ensure that the name of the Principal Agent, name of the Agent Outlet booking the ticket along with address and contact number are printed on the e-tickets. Passenger should obtain a receipt for all booking / cancellations.
Passengers must carry any one of the prescribed proof of identities, in original, during their journey. They include Voter Identity Card, Passport, PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Driving License, Photo Identity Card issued by the Central or State Govt, Student Identity Card with photograph issued by recognized School or College, Nationalized Bank Pass Book with photograph or Credit Card with laminated photograph.
Passengers need not pay more than the approved Service Charges. Service Charges per e-ticket irrespective of number of passengers on the ticket:- IRCTC Service charge of Rs. 20/- and Agent Service Charge of Rs. 20/- are payable for AC First Class, AC II Tier, AC III Tier Classes and Rs. 10/- towards IRCTC service charge and Rs. 10/- towards Agent Service Charge for booking in Sleeper Class and General Second Class, apart from payment gateway charges as applicable.
The SCR spokesperson said that there were no additional charges for printing of tickets or stationery or cancellation of e- tickets. If the agent demands more than the prescribed Service Charges, Passengers are advised to lodge a complaint at agentcomplaint@irctc.co.in or care@irctc.co.in or on Phone Nos. 011-23745962, 011-39340000.
The SCR has asked the passengers not to buy e-tickets from agents during 8 AM to 12 Noon. The Website- www.irctc.co.in is open exclusively for the individual users from 8 am to 12 Noon. If any passenger is found travelling with Advance Reservation Period (ARP) Ticket / TATKAL Tickets booked by unauthorized persons / touts during the above period, his ticket is liable to be cancelled and penal action will be initiated under the Railways Act. E-tickets can be cancelled through the same Agent Outlet without any additional Service Charge for cancellation. (INN)