CHENNAI : In a significant policy change, Railways has decided to accept photo identity card issued to advocates by respective Bar councils as a valid document for undertaking train travel. Rail passengers identity is verified by travelling ticket examiners during journey to prevent misuse of tickets thereby curbing unauthorised passengers. In addition, the identity card is also used to authenticate the age of passengers who availed themselves of concession under various categories, including those for senior citizens and patients while booking tickets.
In an order issued to all zonal railways recently, the Railway Board has directed that photo identity cards with serial number issued to advocates by respective bar councils may also be accepted as proof of identity of passengers. The directive came pursuant to a judgement of Kerala High Court, the board order said.
Presently, documents issued by various government agencies such as Voter photo identity card, passport, pan card, driving licence, employees photo identity card issued by State, central governments, public sector undertakings, district administration and local bodies, nationalised bank passbook with photograph, and Aadhaar card are considered valid documents for train travel. In addition, student identity card with photographs issued by recognised college and schools and credit cards by bank with laminated photograph are also accepted by railways.