The answer is a Big “No”, if you are an Indian Citizen as passport is not mandatory when travelling from one city to another city (Be it on Train, Bus or on Flight).But it’s still considered as one of the valid proofs to show for your Identification at Airport or at Railway stations along within other proofs .
Valid Proofs for Indian Citizen:
For domestic flights, you are required to show a valid government-issued photo ID during Check-in. Accepted forms of identification for Indian citizens typically include: (Along with the Passport)
- Aadhaar Card
- Voter ID Card
- PAN Card
- Driver’s license
- Passport
Student identity card from a recognized educational institution
While a passport is not required, it is accepted as a valid form of identification if you choose to use it.
Foreign Nationals Travelling within India
For foreign nationals, a passport is mandatory for domestic travel in India. But in case if you are an foreign Citizen travelling within India from one airport to another then Passport of your country is necessary as it is being used to verify your Photo Identification as well as Verification at the entry point of Airport and before boarding the plane at the Check-in counter. If you had Web-Checkin then you can directly walk-in without going to check-in counter! (But you still need through go through Security check-in)
Indian-Origin Nationals Travelling within India
For Indian-origin individuals with foreign citizenship, including OCI cardholders, a valid passport is mandatory for all domestic flights within India. While an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card offers lifelong visa-free travel and provides certain benefits like parity with Indian citizens for airfares and entry fees, it is not a substitute for a passport. The OCI card does not grant Indian citizenship, so your foreign passport remains the essential document for airport verification and identification when traveling domestically.
First Published on January 5th, 2018