Travelling with Relatives on Railway Tickets in India: Guidelines and Procedures

India's vast railway network is a primary mode of transportation for millions of travelers across the country. Often, travelers wish to share their tickets with close relatives or family members. This article provides comprehensive guidelines and procedures to help you understand the possibilities and requirements for traveling with relatives on railway tickets.

Can a Relative Travel on My Railway Ticket?

The answer can vary depending on the specific circumstances. In some cases, a relative can indeed travel on a ticket booked in your name, but this often requires additional steps to ensure the proper verification and transfer of tickets.

General Guidelines

In general, traveling with a relative on a railway ticket is not straightforward. However, there are instances where it is possible, and we will explore these scenarios here.

Do I Need to Inform the Station Master?

Yes, you must inform the station master at your origin station 48 hours before your train's departure. This step is crucial for verifying your name against the reserved ticket and ensuring the process goes smoothly.

What is the Process for Travel with the Same Ticket?

If you find yourself in a situation where you need to travel with a relative using the same ticket, you have a few options. Typically, you might need to change the passenger's name on the ticket. Here are the detailed steps:

Visit the nearest Railway Reservation Office with an 'Electronic Reservation Slip' printout and a photo ID proof of the passenger. Provide a proof of blood relation, such as an Aadhaar card or a ration card. Make the request 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the train. The passenger's name can only be changed once.

Transferring a Ticket to a Relative

Another common scenario is where a relative wants to travel on a ticket booked in your name. Here are the steps involved in transferring the ticket:

Go to the nearest booking office to transfer the ticket to the relative's name. Provide proof of relation such as an Aadhaar card or a ration card. Even if the ticket is not available, consider booking a new ticket and cancelling the old one.

What if the Ticket is Booked in My Name?

If the ticket is booked in your name, then generally, the railway authorities will only accept the primary passenger's name during verification. This means your mother, or any relative, cannot carry the ticket without you present, which could lead to complications on the day of the journey.

Conclusion

Traveling with relatives on railway tickets in India comes with some unique challenges but also several ways to make it feasible. Whether it is transferring tickets, changing passenger names, or providing proof of relation, understanding these procedures can greatly assist you in your travel plans. Always consult the nearest Railway Reservation Office for specific details and requirements to avoid any inconvenience during your journey.