Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
Claim
The new IRCTC regulation mandates that individuals can only book tickets for blood relatives or those with the same surname using their personal IDs. It further states that booking tickets for friends or others could lead to a hefty fine of Rs. 10,000 or a jail term of up to 3 years, or both.
Newschecker received the claim on our WhatsApp tipline (+91-9999499044) requesting to be fact checked.
Such posts can be seen here and here.
Fact
A keyword search for “book tickets,” “family,” “friends” and “railway” on Google led us to the “BookMyTrain” section of the IRCTC website. In response to a FAQ, the website clarified, “…just like flights, you can book tickets for friends and family. Just remember, that while traveling the passenger must carry a valid photo identity proof.”
We also found a Mint report carrying a clarification from the IRCTC on the viral claim about new railway rules. “IRCTC, in its social media post, clarified that people can book tickets online for friends, family, and relatives,” it stated.
An X post by IRCTC, dated June 25, 2024, stated, “The news in circulation on social media about restrictions in booking of e-tickets due to different surnames is false and misleading. The concerned should be discouraged from spreading such false news.It is clarified that tickets from IRCTC site are being booked as per Railway Board Guidelines…”
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The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Railways also confirmed, “ One can book tickets on personal User ID for friends, family, and relatives. Booking can be done for up to 12 tickets per month which in case of Aadhaar-authenticated users can go up to 24 tickets per month, if one of the passengers on a ticket is also aadhar authenticated.”
“Tickets booked on personal User IDs are not meant for commercial sale and such an act is an offence under section 143 of Railways Act 1989,” the spokesperson clarified in a recent X post.
Notably, the Railway Act, 1989 clearly states, “Section 143 provides for penalty for unauthorized carrying on of business of procuring and supply of railway tickets.”
Government’s PIB Fact Check also termed the claim misleading.
Hence, the viral claim on a new IRCTC regulation stating that individuals can only book tickets for blood relations or those with the same surname using their personal ID is fabricated. The IRCTC and Railways have clarified that no such rule is applicable for booking on e-tickets.
Result: False
Sources
Official Website Of IRCTC
X Post By @IRCTCofficial, Dated June 25, 2024
X Post By @SpokespersonIR, Dated June 25, 2024
Railway Act, 1989 Document
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Authors
Vasudha noticed the growing problem of mis/disinformation online after studying New Media at ACJ in Chennai and became interested in separating facts from fiction. She is interested in learning how global issues affect individuals on a micro level. Before joining Newschecker’s English team, she was working with Latestly.
Pankaj Menon is a fact-checker based out of Delhi who enjoys ‘digital sleuthing’ and calling out misinformation. He has completed his MA in International Relations from Madras University and has worked with organisations like NDTV, Times Now and Deccan Chronicle online in the past.
