The move follows increasing complaints since 2023 about misuse of the QR system.
Mumbai: If you usually rely on QR codes to buy your train tickets, this update is important for you. Railways have now stopped the option of booking tickets using QR codes. The decision has been taken by Central and Western Railway authorities to curb fraud and misuse of the system.
From now on, tickets can only be booked through the UTS on Mobile app as digital (paperless) tickets. Passengers will be able to book tickets only if they are at least 20 meters away from the station premises or the railway tracks.
Western Railway’s Chief Public Relations Officer, Vineet Abhishek, confirmed the change. Central Railway’s Mumbai Division also announced the new rule on social media. This means that within the suburban section, QR code ticketing has been completely discontinued, leaving passengers with two options – paperless mobile tickets or traditional printed tickets.
The move follows increasing complaints since 2023 about misuse of the QR system. Several websites had started providing downloadable QR codes for all stations. Many commuters were storing or printing these codes and using them inside trains to quickly book tickets, often bypassing ticket checkers. Some even carried multiple codes of different stations.
In response, railway authorities have taken strict action and permanently discontinued QR code–based ticketing to prevent further fraud.
