New Delhi: Indian Railways has clarified that passengers travelling with unreserved (general) tickets are not required to carry a printed copy if the ticket has been booked through the UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System) mobile application. The clarification aims to clear confusion that had spread following reports and a viral video on social media.

According to the Railways, passengers who book unreserved tickets via the UTS mobile app can simply show the ticket using the “Show Ticket” option on the app during their journey. Displaying the digital ticket on the same mobile device used for booking is considered fully valid for verification by ticket-checking staff.

The clarification came after a video circulated online showing a TTE asking a passenger to produce a printed copy of a ticket booked through the UTS app. The video led to widespread confusion among passengers about whether printouts of mobile tickets had become mandatory.

In an official statement, the Ministry of Railways said that the unreserved ticket displayed in the “Show Ticket” section of the UTS app is a valid authority for travel. Passengers are not required to take a printout of such tickets. However, the Railways added that if a passenger purchased a ticket at a counter, they must carry that printed ticket during the journey. The ministry also clarified that demanding a printed copy of a UTS app ticket is incorrect.

Meanwhile, Indian Railways is taking steps to enhance the passenger experience by introducing regional cuisines on Vande Bharat trains. According to the Railways, the initiative is aimed at offering passengers authentic local and traditional flavours based on their travel routes.

As part of the new menu, passengers on the Patna–Ranchi Vande Bharat Express will be served Champaran Paneer, while Champaran Chicken will be available on the Patna–Howrah route. On Gujarat routes, travellers are being offered dishes such as Methi Thepla and Masala Lauki. Kerala-bound Vande Bharat trains will serve traditional items including Appam, Kerala Paratha and Palada Payasam, while West Bengal routes will feature Kosha Paneer and Aloo Potol Bhaja.

The Railways said the move is intended to showcase India’s rich culinary diversity. Southern routes have also added regional specialities such as Dondakaya Karam Podi Fry and Andhra Kodi Kura, further expanding the variety of regional dishes available to passengers on Vande Bharat services. DeshGujarat