Indian Railways Tightens Tatkal Rules: Aadhaar & OTP Now Mandatory for Ticket Booking

In a major policy shift, Indian Railways has announced new rules for Tatkal ticket booking, aimed at preventing misuse and ensuring fair access for genuine passengers.

Starting July 1, 2025, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets via the IRCTC website and mobile app. From July 15, an additional OTP verification step will be required, further strengthening security measures.

To curb bulk bookings, railway agents will be restricted from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the ticket release window. This move is expected to prioritize individual passengers, reducing the dominance of automated or agent-assisted bookings.

Aadhaar Authentication: A Game-Changer for Tatkal Booking

The Tatkal ticketing system has long been plagued by scalping and fraudulent bookings, with agents often securing bulk tickets before individual passengers get a chance.

By making Aadhaar authentication mandatory, Indian Railways aims to:

• Ensure genuine passengers get priority access to Tatkal tickets.
• Eliminate fraudulent bookings made using multiple fake identities.
• Enhance transparency in the ticketing process.

Passengers must link their Aadhaar numbers with their IRCTC accounts before July 1 to avoid disruptions.

OTP Verification: Strengthening Security Measures

From July 15, an additional OTP-based identity verification will be required for Tatkal bookings. This step will apply to:

• Online bookings via IRCTC
• Tatkal tickets booked at PRS counters
• Tickets booked through authorized railway agents

The OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked to the passenger’s Aadhaar, ensuring secure authentication.

Agent Booking Restrictions: Favoring Individual Passengers

To prevent bulk bookings, Indian Railways has introduced a 30-minute ban on agent-assisted Tatkal ticket bookings.

The restrictions are as follows:

• For AC classes: Agents cannot book tickets between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
• For non-AC classes: Agents cannot book tickets between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.

This move is expected to reduce unfair advantages enjoyed by third-party booking agents, ensuring individual passengers have a fair shot at securing Tatkal tickets.

Public Reaction & Passenger Concerns

While many welcome the new rules, some passengers have expressed concerns over the Aadhaar authentication process.

A recent survey by LocalCircles revealed that 70% of passengers found it difficult to book Tatkal tickets due to high demand and agent interference. The new measures aim to address these challenges, but passengers worry about technical glitches and delays in Aadhaar linking.

Indian Railways has urged all passengers to update their Aadhaar details in their IRCTC profiles well before July 1 to avoid last-minute disruptions.

Government’s Justification for the New Rules

The Railway Ministry has defended the Aadhaar-based authentication, stating that it will:

• Improve ticketing fairness by eliminating fraudulent bookings.
• Enhance security by ensuring only verified users can book Tatkal tickets.
• Reduce dependency on agents, making the system more accessible to individual travelers.

The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC have been tasked with implementing system upgrades, ensuring a smooth transition to the new policies.

Conclusion

The new Tatkal booking rules mark a significant shift in Indian Railways’ approach to ticketing transparency and security.

With Aadhaar authentication, OTP verification, and agent booking restrictions, the system is expected to become more equitable for genuine passengers.

As the July 1 deadline approaches, passengers must link their Aadhaar numbers to their IRCTC accounts to ensure hassle-free bookings.

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