Is it True That Now We Can Travel by the Family Member's Ticket on Indian Railways?

The answer is a qualified no. While it is technically possible to travel with a ticket reserved in another family member's name under certain circumstances, the process is quite stringent. This article will guide you through the current regulations and the process required to make such a change. If you are planning a trip by train in India and wish to use a family member's travel ticket, this information will be invaluable.

Understanding the Rules: A Detailed Look at the Regulations

Indian Railways, the public sector undertaking of the Government of India responsible for running the transportation network, has stringent rules regarding the use of tickets. According to the official policies, you cannot simply use a family member's ticket. The regulations stipulate that a reserved seat or berth must be used by the person whose name is on the ticket. However, there are some rare exceptions to this rule. Here’s a detailed look at these scenarios:

When Is a Name Change Allowed?

In the Case of Government Servants: If a government servant needs to travel on duty, a request in writing from the appropriate authority at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the train is required. The Chief Reservation Supervisor (CRS) of important stations can then approve the name change.

To Accommodate Family Members: Requests from the head of a family (e.g., father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, husband, or wife) can be made if the passenger making the original reservation is unable to travel 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the train. This change is also facilitated by the CRS.

In the Case of Students: For students of recognized educational institutions, a request in writing from the head of the institution at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train is necessary. This applies to a group of students as well.

For Marriage Parties: Requests from the head of a marriage party can be made 48 hours before the scheduled departure of the train for any member of the party. However, such requests can be approved only once and in groups, where the request for changes exceeds the strength of the group, it may not be permitted.

For National Cadet Corps Cadets: Officers who are the heads of groups can request changes for cadets in writing 24 hours before the train's departure. This is similar to the conditions for students and marriage party members.

The Process for Changing a Ticket

1. Contact the Chief Reservation Supervisor (CRS): To seek a name change, you must first contact the CRS of an important station. The CRS will review the request based on the conditions mentioned in the previous section.

2. Submit the Request: Your request should be in writing and should provide all necessary details such as the reason for the change, names of the passengers, and the date of departure. Ensure that all documents are in order and meet the specified time frame.

3. Approval and Execution: If the CRS approves the request, they will process the name change. This may involve visiting the reservation counter at the relevant railway station. It is crucial to do this well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.

Important Considerations

1. Single Request Policy: Only one name change per reservation is allowed under the given conditions. For groups, such as marriage parties or student groups, the number of name changes cannot exceed 10% of the total group strength.

2. Timing: Requests must be made at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure in most cases, and 48 hours in the case of students and marriage parties. Ensuring that you meet these deadlines is crucial.

3. Written Requests: All requests must be in writing and may need to include signatures or official letters from appropriate authorities.

Conclusion

While it is possible to travel using another family member’s ticket under certain conditions, the process is highly regulated and must be approached with the appropriate documentation and timing. If you are planning a trip by train in India and wish to use a family member's travel ticket, it is imperative to understand these regulations thoroughly and seek assistance from the CRS to ensure a smooth process.