The Indian railway issues platform tickets that allow passengers access to the platforms at railway stations. People with platform tickets can roam freely at the station for few hours. Platform tickets are usually used by those who want to pick up their relatives or friends from the station. IRCTC allows users to book online platform tickets.
Steps to book online platform tickets
First of all, you will need to install the UTS application on your mobile. Then register on the application by entering the required details. Once you’ve registered, you’ll be directed to the app’s home screen, which will look like the one above.
After registering on the app, you will need to login and then you will see the list of options shown in the image above.
Choose a platform ticket to book your platform ticket.
The app offers two types of platform ticket booking options: paperless and paper: you choose according to your preference.
Now here one thing you need to know is that this app is location-enabled if the GPS on your phone is not on it won’t work. If your GPS is on then based on your location it will show you the list of stations nearby you.
Select your preferred station and mode of payment. Notice: You won’t be able to book a platform ticket from a different city because it shows you a list of stations based on your location.
Now for payment, it provides various payment methods, R-Wallet or Credit/Debit card, UPI so, select the payment method according to your preference.
After making the payment your platform ticket will be booked and will get a ticket like the one shown above. If TTE asks for the ticket then you can show them the platform ticket.
Platform ticket rules
- Usually, a platform ticket costs 10 to 20 INR which was increased in Covid 19 and is now revised.
- One platform ticket can be used by only one person.
- Platform tickets are valid for only two hours.
- If you have a train ticket and you are going station to board the train then you won’t need a platform ticket.
- Any ticket reservation booth in the railway station can provide you a platform ticket.
- If railway authorities caught you without a platform or train ticket then you will be fined 250 to 270 Rs.
Booking platform tickets online is subject to the following conditions
- If you want to book a paperless platform ticket then the GPS on your mobile should be enabled.
- Paperless platform tickets cannot be canceled.
- After purchasing a paperless ticket, the travel should start within one hour.
- Anyone can book an online platform ticket from the mobile app.
- It is called ticketless travel if the passenger is unable to present the ticket on their mobile device.