Routine ticket check exposes fake digital passes
Three passengers travelling on the Parel–Kalyan AC local train were detained after Central Railway staff discovered that they were using AI-generated fake season tickets. According to officials, the incident came to light during a routine inspection when the travellers displayed image files stored on their phones instead of showing valid tickets through the authorised Unreserved Ticketing System (UTS) mobile app.
The ticket examiner noticed that all three digital files carried the same UTS number (XOOJHN4569), which raised suspicion because every genuine UTS ticket is issued with a unique identification number. The tickets were immediately sent for backend verification, where officials confirmed that no season tickets had been issued against the mobile numbers provided by the passengers.
Passengers identified; charged under BNS provisions
The individuals were identified as Niraj Talreja, Atharv Baag, and Aditi Manglurkar. The Government Railway Police (GRP) registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) relating to cheating, electronic forgery and travelling without a valid ticket.
All three were escorted to Kurla station and handed over to the GRP for further action. Subsequent examination by Central Railway suggested that the files presented as tickets had been generated using AI-based tools.
Background: Rise in forged UTS tickets this week
Railway authorities said this was not an isolated case. Earlier in the week, several instances of passengers using fraudulent digital season tickets were detected on suburban services. Officials suspect a common source or method being used to create these forged passes and have launched an investigation to trace their origin.
Railway advisory: Screenshots are not valid tickets
A Central Railway spokesperson said that additional checks are being carried out on AC locals and other key suburban routes. Passengers have been reminded that only tickets purchased through authorised channels—station counters, ATVMs or the official UTS app—are valid for travel.
Officials reiterated that screenshots, edited images or stored ticket files will not be accepted as proof of travel. Travelling with forged or fraudulently generated tickets may lead to penalties and, in some cases, imprisonment under BNS provisions.
Impact: Stricter ticket verification likely
With the rise in misuse of AI-generated digital files, the railway administration is expected to tighten verification protocols on local train services. Officials said the focus will be on preventing fare evasion and ensuring that the integrity of the digital ticketing system is maintained.