mAadhaar app can now be used as valid identity proof while travelling in India

mAadhaar app was launched in the month of July 2017, and now the app will work as identity proof on train journeys, thus making it easier for the public to travel in trains. The passengers might not have to carry any physical proof with while boarding the train.

Well, it is definitely a welcome move for those who usually forget to carry their prescribed identity proofs such as voter ID, Aadhaar card, PAN card, and driving license or any other identification card. This will now make a lot of things easier.

However, if you are unaware about the mAadhaar app, then just to recall the app has been developed by Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The app is basically a digital platform which allows Indians to carry their virtual Aadhaar card in their smartphones. The mAadhaar provides an easy and secure alternative to carrying your Aadhaar card on the go.

The app is currently available only on Android, but UIDAI plans to bring it to iOS soon.
However, to use mAadhaar as a valid identity proof during train journeys, passengers will have to open the app and show the details after unlocking it with their biometric (for e.g., fingerprint).

The app has a 'TOTP (Time-Based One-Time Password) generation' process in place of the regular SMS-based OTP (one-time password) system. However, you will also have to first register your mobile number with UIDAI. After registering, you can link the mAadhaar app with your Aadhaar details.

The statement issued by Ministry of Railways via Press Information Bureau said, "mAadhar, when shown by the passenger on his/her mobile after entering the password, should be accepted as proof of identity for undertaking the journey in any reserved class over Indian Railways."

While many have been arguing about the usability of this app, mAadhaar does offer a more authentic way of carrying your virtual Aadhaar card on the go. It's worth highlighting again that the app offers a biometric method of securing your card details which is not available in the any of the cloud storage options. On this note, a lot of users have a photo of their Aadhaar card saved in their cloud storage.