Imagine a scenario where you need to go via train in an emergency and upon arriving at the railway station, you observe a long queue right before the ticket booking counter. Or what if your train has already arrived on the platform and you don't have the opportunity to purchase the ticket to head out to your destination?
Predicament; neither you can afford to miss your train nor do you have the opportunity to purchase a ticket by remaining in the line. So what should be done? Don’t get disheartened just yet!! There is always something called a platform ticket at your disposal( that too only under certain conditions). Or better yet, don’t face this situation next time by booking train tickets online.
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What is a platform ticket?
A platform ticket falls under the umbrella of unreserved tickets that can be purchased from a ticket counter at a railway station before entering a platform. Under this, boarding a train or using its services is prohibited and is only intended to allow access to the railway platform. A platform ticket is valid only for one person that costs Rs 10 to acquire. And grants the holder access to the platforms for not more than two hours. However, a platform ticket is not required if the passenger has booked a train ticket online for the same day.
Unlike any other online train ticket booking service that seamlessly provides reserved online train tickets; a platform ticket can only be purchased online through the UTS App designed for booking unreserved railway tickets. The platform ticket clarifies a passenger's intention that s/he is willing but unable to travel with a valid ticket due to an emergency. While also acting as written proof that they boarded the train at a particular railway station.
Travelling with a platform ticket? Your requirements-
In case of an emergency, a passenger must acquire a Guard's permission certificate before boarding the train which is issued by the conductor, field guard or other members of staff on duty as notified by the Railways.
Things to keep in mind-
- A Guard's guarantee/certificate is an interim permit to board on a platform ticket.
- It is given to you by the Guard before you incur any charges.
- In order to obtain a valid travel ticket( to avoid any problems), the certificate must be presented before the TTE.
Boarded the train with platform ticket/pass, what after?
- A passenger must notify the train ticket examiner (TTE) as soon as possible after boarding a train with a platform ticket
- After that, the TTE will issue a train ticket that allows the passenger to travel up to the destination.
- A penalty of Rs 250 along with prerequisite fare will be charged, depending upon the class you are travelling in.
- The fare will be calculated from the station the passenger boarded to their destination station.
Note- Even with the ticket issued, platform tickets do not guarantee a seat or berth reservation. It is subject to availability. It is always advisable to book train tickets online with our app along with several features like PNR status, coach position among others.
Use platform tickets only in emergency
Although it’s not a myth- Do not attempt to have an adventure by only travelling with a platform ticket. The passenger will be fined If the TTE suspects a passenger of not reporting on purpose or not having their platform ticket converted into a formal travel ticket before time. The fine can be as much as Rs 1,260. It is also punishable by imprisonment for a period of up to six months.
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