Patna, Feb. 15: Passengers must possess an identity proof when they board a train but most of them are unaware of the new regulation of Indian Railways that came into effect today.

The Telegraph asked a number of passengers at Patna Junction if they were aware of the regulation. Most of them claimed that they had no idea about it. Very few had the identity proof on them.

Ara resident J. Ahmad, who was waiting for Dadar-Bhagalpur Express, said: “I did not know about this rule and am not carrying any identity proof with me. I wasn’t informed about it when I bought the ticket. Now that you have informed me, I shall carry identity proof with me from the next time.”

Earlier, only passengers with e-tickets or passes booked under the tatkal system had to carry identity proof. Now all passengers — except those travelling in general compartment — must posses one of the nine identity proofs along with their ticket.

Sources said the railways authorities had decided to introduce this new rule because touts often sell tickets booked in one person’s name to another in lieu of commission.

Passengers, however, claimed that the railway should have informed them before enforcing the new order.

Ahmedabad resident Vikas Talwar, who was waiting for North East Express (12506), told The Telegraph that he was not aware that such a rule had come into effect from today.

He said: “As far as I know, this rule is applicable only to passengers travelling in air-conditioned compartments, not in second class sleeper. I did not know that everyone was supposed to carry the identity proof. The railways should have published advertisements in newspapers. They could have also put up a notice at the ticket or enquiry counters. If the rule is not properly publicised, how would we come to know of it?”

The authorities, however, claimed that the passengers should have been well aware of the rule by now.

East Central Railway chief public relations officer Neeraj Ambastha said: “This rule was announced a month ago. The announcement was published in most newspapers. This rule is for their benefit.”

He added: “On the first day, we have asked TTEs (train ticket examiners) to not to be too harsh with the passengers. But the rule would be enforced strictly later.”

Asked what penalty passengers would have to pay if they were caught with-out identity cards, Ambastha said: “They would be treated as passengers travelling without ticket and charged fine accordingly.”