Introducing the Universal Travel Pass
Amidst the efforts to curb the swift transmission of COVID-19, multiple jurisdictions established protocols to halt the spread of the virus. These guidelines aimed at safeguarding against the Corona infection have led to the online availability of the 2023 Universal Travel Pass Registration Form by the Maharashtra state government. Following Maharashtra’s lead, numerous other states have also adopted the Universal Travel Pass system. Across the nation, a substantial portion of the population has received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
The Universal Travel Pass is granted to individuals who have completed their double vaccine doses and those actively engaged in essential services. This pass ensures seamless travel, eliminating any hindrances. In this article, we delve into the details of the Universal Travel Pass system.
Universal Travel Pass
Enabling Smooth Travel Designed for access to transportation services like buses and facilities such as airports, workplaces, railway stations, and malls, the Universal Travel Pass is an electronic pass encoded as a QR code. This pass simplifies travel across Indian states.
With this pass, travel becomes hassle-free as you can move without impediments. In fact, for services provided by the Railway Department and the government, presentation of this pass is a prerequisite for obtaining tickets. If you’ve received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, you are eligible for this pass. To apply, you need to be aware of the following steps. Simply complete the application form and submit it to obtain your UTP.
The Railway Department and the government have explicitly stated that traveler’s without a universal pass will not be issued seats or tickets. This policy shift is poised to enhance ticketing and travel experiences throughout the state with the introduction of the new Universal Travel Pass.
Overview of Universal Travel Pass Information
| Name of the Service | Universal Travel Pass |
|---|---|
| Launched by | Maharashtra State Government |
| Authority | Disaster Management, Relief & Rehabilitation Department |
| Purpose of issuing the UTP | Facilitating Intrastate and Interstate Movement amidst Restrictions |
| Application mode | Online |
| Official website | Epassmsdma.mahait.org |
Key Points about the Universal Travel Pass Goals of the Universal Travel Pass
- Facilitate safe travel nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Ensure the availability and functioning of healthcare and educational facilities.
- Eliminate the need for physical verification to identify vaccinated individuals.
- Enhance travel safety and convenience through QR code-based e-passes.
- Prevent travel using fraudulent IDs under COVID-19 restrictions.
- Enable seamless transfers between trains and rickshaws.
- Streamline interstate travel by reducing the need for repeated RT-PCR tests.
Features of the Universal Travel Pass
The Maharashtra Disaster Management, Relief & Rehabilitation Department authorized individuals who have completed their double COVID-19 vaccination to travel on regional trains. Initially, vaccination records were verified offline in Mumbai before permits were issued. Now, an online e-pass system is available through the official website. The Maharashtra Disaster Management, Relief & Rehabilitation Department set up this platform to issue e-passes to essential service personnel and residents, simplifying their travel arrangements.
Eligibility for the Universal Travel Pass
Before applying, applicants must fulfill the following criteria:
- Residency in Maharashtra is a prerequisite.
- Children are not eligible for the pass.
- Only those working in medical, educational, or public service fields can apply.
- Meeting the criteria for specific UTP categories and subcategories is essential.
tn epass Only For Tamil Nadu State People
Required Documents for the Universal Travel Pass:
- Aadhar card
- Government identification document
- Voter ID
- Industrial papers
- Mobile number
- Registered business details, etc.
Applying for the Universal Travel Pass via Telegram
- Download the Telegram app from the Google Play Store.
- Add ‘Mahagov’ to the app.
- Choose ‘MahaGovUniversalPass.’
- Click “Start” and then select “Apply for Universal Pass.”
- Provide your mobile number and receive an OTP.
- Enter the OTP and verify the information.
- Review and confirm your details.
- Choose your image and confirm it.
- Confirm the details again and select “Apply for Universal Pass.”
Applying for the Universal Travel Pass via the Main Site
- Visit the website epassmsdma.mahait.com.
- Under “Citizen,” find and click on “Universal Pass for Double Vaccinated Citizens.”
- Enter the mobile number used for CoWIN registration.
- Input the received OTP.
- Check the COVID-19 vaccination status information.
- Click “Generate Pass” and upload your photo.
- Click “Apply” to submit your photo.
- An SMS with a download link will be sent within 48 hours.
- Save the pass on your mobile device using the link.