In a bid to tighten the Tatkal ticketing system and ensure fair access for genuine passengers, Indian Railways has announced significant changes to its online and offline booking processes.
From 1 July 2025, only Aadhaar-authenticated users will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets via the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website and mobile application.
The Ministry of Railways has introduced these modifications to curb the misuse of the Tatkal scheme and make ticket booking more transparent and secure.
According to the new rules, Aadhaar-based OTP (One-Time Password) authentication will become mandatory for all Tatkal bookings made online from 15 July. This move is aimed at validating user identity at the time of transaction and limiting fraudulent or automated bookings.
The requirement for OTP verification will also extend to Tatkal tickets booked at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and through authorised ticketing agents.
Users will need to enter an OTP sent to their registered mobile number during the booking process. This measure too will come into effect from 15 July 2025.
To further streamline the system and restrict mass bookings during the critical opening window, the Railways has barred authorised agents from booking Tatkal tickets during the initial 30 minutes of the reservation window.
For AC classes, this restriction will apply from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and for non-AC classes, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC have been directed to implement the required technical changes and notify all zonal railways and departments to ensure smooth enforcement of the updated rules.
The Railway Ministry has urged all passengers to link their Aadhaar numbers with their IRCTC profiles well in advance to avoid last-minute difficulties. These steps, officials said, are part of a broader initiative to protect the interests of genuine passengers and reinforce accountability in railway ticketing.
Tatkal, a quota meant for last-minute travel plans, has often been subject to misuse, particularly by automated software and bulk agents. Authorities believe these reforms will not only promote transparency but also prevent unscrupulous practices within the booking ecosystem.
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