Everything You Should Know - Universal Travel Pass

Apart from causing loss of life, the pandemic somehow also impacted the travel industry. A nationwide emergency lockdown was implemented with several restrictions when the COVID-19 pandemic started. Even travelling came to a halt. It was only allowed in case of an emergency with proper protocol in place.

Over time, some restrictions on travelling were withdrawn. People had to follow travel-related protocols, like carrying an RTPCR report, a fully vaccinated certificate, the Aarogya Setu app, etc. The government of Maharashtra introduced a regional QR code-based e-pass, known as Universal Travel Pass(UTP), for travelling in local public transport.

This blog explores its eligibility, key components, application procedure and benefits like cost-effectiveness, convenience and easy usage.

What is a Universal Travel Pass?

The Universal Travel Pass is a QR code-based e-pass. It permitted fully COVID-vaccinated people to use public transport, like monorails, metros, and local trains in Mumbai. Additionally, they could enter public places like malls and offices. The Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority introduced it in association with the Indian Railways,

Besides UTP, a travel insurance plan also made travelling safer during the pandemic by covering unexpected trip cancellations, high medical bills and unavoidable quarantine costs.

Why Universal Travel Pass?

The Universal Travel Pass was introduced to fulfil the objectives listed below:

1. Allow people to travel across the nation during a pandemic.

2. Ensure that medical and education facilities remain available and functional to all.

3. With QR code e-passes, travelling is safe and convenient.

4. Negate the need for physical verification to identify fully vaccinated people against COVID-19.

5. Prevention of fake IDs to travel in case of restrictions because of COVID-19.

6. Allow people to travel interstate.

Top 3 Benefits Offered by UTP

If you are still wondering, “Did Universal Travel Pass benefit the people?”, the answer is yes. Introduced during the pandemic to make travel safer and easier for Indians, it offered the benefits mentioned below:

Cost-Effective

Commuters could use UTP as a single ticket to travel using various modes of transport. This helped them lower total transportation costs and travel with fewer hassles. The affordability of this integrated ticketing system increased the number of people using the public transit services.

Convenient

Buying multiple tickets when travelling by different modes of transport was a bit problematic for commuters. The UTP offered them convenience as they could travel through various routes using a single pass. This made everyday commute smoother and more efficient.

Easy Usage

People could apply for the UTP online. It was digitally available through smartphones, so people liked its ease of use. They did not have to wait in long queues or waste their time on paperwork or verification. You can reap similar benefits when applying for travel insurance through Bajaj General Insurance.

Online Application Process of UTP

To make it easier for the citizens of India, the government allowed people to apply for UTP online. The steps individuals and establishments had to follow are mentioned below:

Step 1

Visit the official website of the Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA).

Step 2

Click on the Citizen’s Corner and then on the ‘Universal Travel Pass’ option. People could also directly visit the e-pass registration site.

Step 3

Select ‘apply as a citizen’ or ‘as an establishment’.

Below are the next steps establishments had to follow after the 3rd step:

Step 4

Once they selected ‘Register Your Establishment’, they had to provide relevant details, like establishment category, type, registration number and office address.

Step 5

Upload the establishment’s registration certificate and assign a coordinator for further communication with authorities.

Step 6

Go through the terms and conditions, accept those and click on ‘Register’. They would send a confirmation mail to your registered mobile number with a download link for the UTP certificate.

Below are the next steps individuals had to follow after the 3rd step:

1. Select ‘universal pass for vaccinated citizens’ and provide the mobile number used for vaccine registration. You would receive an OTP on your mobile.

2. Check the accuracy of vaccination details, such as your name, contact number and beneficiary ID.

3. Select ‘Generate Pass’ to see details of your 1^st and 2^nd vaccines.

Upload your picture within 3MB, accept the declaration and choose ‘Apply’. You will receive the Universal Travel Pass download link through a confirmation email sent to your registered mobile number.

What Were the Universal Travel Pass Eligibility Criteria?

1. Indian citizens aged 18 and above who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

2. Any business establishment in the medical, educational, or utility sector.

Note: Individuals had to apply for UTP at least 14 days after receiving the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. People applying before the 14-day time frame would receive it after the 14-day completion period. Standard T&C was applicable.

What is Included in Universal Travel Pass?

UTP consisted of the following information:

1. Applicant photograph

2. Name

3. Age

4. Gender

5. Level of Travel category

6. QR code

7. Applicant beneficiary ID

8. Dates of both COVID-19 vaccinations

The Bottom Line

None of us saw the pandemic coming, but it taught us to be prepared and take preventive measures. When the time is uncertain, it's better to be safe by making the right travel decisions and following protocols.

It is always advisable to make your travel safer by comparing the travel insurance quotes offered by Bajaj General Insurance and making an informed decision.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did UTP's QR code help in getting the travel certification?

Yes, while travelling during the pandemic, authorities using public transit validate the QR code.

Could I contact customer support if any error occurred while applying for UTP online?

Yes, you could contact customer support if any error occurred when applying for UTP online. You could use either the contact details or email address from the Universal Travel Pass registration page if you required any assistance.

Could I use UTP all across India?

Yes, UTP was valid throughout India.

Could anyone apply and download UTP?

UTP was available to all Indians above the age of 18 years. They could apply for it 14 days after getting the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

What was the validity of UTP?

UTP was valid as per the granted travel permission. People could check its validity after downloading it digitally. You could also check validity rules on Maharashtra State Disaster Management Authority’s official website.

 Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet and is subject to changes. Please consult an expert before making any related decisions.

Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. For more details on benefits, exclusions, limitations, terms, and conditions, please read the sales brochure/policy wording carefully before concluding a sale.