Do you really need printed ticket for Vande Bharat Sleeper Express? Here's what passengers should know

If you have been following railway-related updates on social media, you may have come across a video from the newly launched Varanasi–New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.

The video shows a ticket examiner walking through an AC sleeper coach and carefully checking passengers' printed tickets in cream and orange colours. The sight of traditional paper tickets aboard one of Indian Railways' newest premium trains has prompted a question among prospective passengers: Is carrying a printed ticket mandatory to travel on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express?

The answer is no. A printed ticket is not mandatory for passengers who have booked their tickets online.

Despite the paper tickets seen in the viral video, Indian Railways accepts the Electronic Reservation Slip (ERS), Virtual Reservation Message (VRM) and SMS issued by IRCTC as valid travel documents. Passengers can display these on their smartphones or tablets during ticket inspection. However, they must also carry an original, valid identity document for verification.

There is another important rule passengers should keep in mind: Only confirmed ticket holders are allowed to travel on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.

Passengers holding Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC), waitlisted or partially confirmed tickets are not permitted to board the train. Therefore, travellers must ensure that their tickets are fully confirmed before setting out on their journey.

So, there is no need to print your ticket if you have a valid electronic reservation document. Just keep your phone charged and carry your original identity proof.