Mumbai Railways to Enforce ID Verification to Curb Counterfeit AC Passes

Commuters in Mumbai are now required to present a valid identity card alongside their season tickets as Central and Western Railways launch a sweeping ID‑verification drive aimed at curbing the rampant circulation of counterfeit AC local passes. The new “counterfeit AC passes enforcement” policy marks a decisive step to protect genuine passengers, tighten security, and ensure the integrity of the suburban rail network.

Background and Context

Suburban train travel has always been the lifeline of Mumbai’s millions of commuters. In recent months, however, the proliferation of forged and digitally altered AC season tickets has struck a nerve. The Central Railway (CR) and Western Railway (WR) railways recorded an uptick of nearly 35 % in incidents involving counterfeit passes during the first quarter of 2025. The problem has been compounded by the rise in low‑cost private operators and the ease with which high‑resolution images of official tickets can be edited and re‑printed on cheap printers. With ridership still recovering after the pandemic, both railways need to restore confidence among passengers while safeguarding revenue streams.

The decision comes amid calls from passenger advocacy groups for stronger enforcement and the broader Indian Railways Ministry’s directive to curb financial losses attributed to fare evasion. The “counterfeit AC passes enforcement” initiative is therefore timely, promising to bring stringent checks to the core of Mumbai’s commuting culture.

Key Developments counterfeit AC passes enforcement

From 5 December 2025, every passenger travelling on CR and WR AC local trains will undergo an identity‑card verification at train stations and aboard the trains themselves. Joint teams comprising ticket examiners and security officers have been deployed at major junctions such as Bandra, Dadar, Thane, Ghatkopar and Wadala, as well as on select carriage cabins.

• Each ticket will be cross‑checked against a government‑issued ID (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, voter ID, or driving licence). A mismatch triggers an immediate ticket rejection and entry into a penalty registry.
• Passengers found with forged or altered passes will face strict penalties under the Bank National Security Code (BNS), including sections 318(2), 336(3), 336(4), 340(1), 340(2), and 3/5. Fines of up to ₹2 lakhs and imprisonment of up to 7 years may be imposed.
• To support efficient enforcement, a high‑resolution scanner system has been installed on all CR and WR AC coaches, allowing instant digitisation and biometric verification of IDs.
• Any ticket that has undergone photocopying or digital tampering will be flagged automatically, and the passenger will be required to purchase a new pass on the spot.

Swarnil Nila, Chief Public Relations Officer of CR, stressed the urgency of the drive: “It is essential to protect genuine AC local commuters and maintain discipline in the system. The enforcement of ID checks will act as a deterrent against counterfeiters and ensure that every passenger pays the fare they owe.”

Impact Analysis

For the average commuter, the new protocol means an additional piece of paperwork when boarding trains. However, the ripple effects are far more extensive, particularly for international students and expatriates who utilize Mumbai’s suburban network for campus commutes and leisure.

Students arriving from abroad often rely on the “one‑ticket‑per‑day” scheme available on some AC passes. Under the new enforcement regime, they must now supply a passport or a valid student visa as their ID, and each trip will be validated against the ticket’s details. A mismatch between the passport name and the ticket name will result in the denial of entry.

Beyond individual inconvenience, the enforcement strategy may also affect the operational efficiency of stations. Preliminary analysis suggests that ID verification could add 30‑60 seconds to the boarding process during peak hours, potentially causing slight delays in train schedules. Additionally, the heightened scrutiny may prompt a shift in passenger flow dynamics, with some commuters opting for alternative modes such as app‑based e‑taxis or metro services.

Expert Insights and Practical Tips

Transport analyst Rohan Desai advises travelers to heed the following guidelines to navigate the new system smoothly:

• Always retain the original ID card and ticket – photocopies or re‑printed versions will be rejected.
• Verify that your name, photograph, and ID number on the ticket match those on your document before boarding. If unsure, request a staff member to double‑check.
• Carry a second ID if the primary one is in a different language (e.g., a passport for foreign nationals) to avoid misidentification.
• In case of a ticket mismatch, head straight to the nearest ticket counter on the platform; most cases can be resolved on the spot with a fresh season ticket purchase.
• Use the “Mumbai Railways App” to check real‑time verification guidelines. The app now offers a quick scan feature for ID and ticket alignment.

International students are specifically encouraged to register their visa details with the campus transport office. This will help the railway authorities cross‑verify details seamlessly and reduce friction at stations.

For commuters carrying older, paper‑based season tickets, the railways will initiate a phased migration to the new e‑pass system within the next 12 months, relieving paper‑ticket holders from repeated in‑person validations. This transition, described by CR’s operations director, Sankar Menon, will involve a public education drive and free re‑issuance of e‑passes.

Looking Ahead

While the immediate focus is on the suburban AC network, both CR and WR railways are exploring integration of biometric authentication, such as iris or fingerprint scans, to further enhance security. Reports indicate that a pilot biometric kiosk trial at Bandra station has already yielded a 42 % reduction in counterfeit ticket incidents.

In tandem with the enforcement of ID checks, the railways plan to launch a public awareness campaign highlighting the legal ramifications of counterfeiting, which includes media coverage and community workshops in high‑density zones. As the enforcement matures, data analytics will refine the allocation of examiners to high‑traffic stations, ensuring optimal coverage and minimal passenger disruption.

For students and commuters who rely on Mumbai’s trains, staying ahead of these changes is key. Engaging with school transport authorities, verifying ticket details regularly, and adopting the railways’ digital tools will help navigate the new compliance landscape with confidence.

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