Indian Railways is set to implement significant changes to its Tatkal ticket booking system, with new rules coming into effect from July 1, 2025. These reforms are primarily aimed at curbing the misuse of the Tatkal scheme by touts and unauthorized agents, ensuring that genuine passengers have a fairer chance at securing last-minute train tickets. The core of these changes revolves around mandatory Aadhaar authentication and stricter regulations for booking agents.
Key Changes to Note:
- Mandatory Aadhaar Authentication (from July 1, 2025):
- From July 1st, 2025, only users who have authenticated their IRCTC account with their Aadhaar number will be permitted to book Tatkal tickets through the official IRCTC website and mobile application. This means linking your Aadhaar to your IRCTC profile will become a prerequisite for online Tatkal bookings.
- The objective is to connect each online Tatkal booking to a verified individual, thereby minimizing fraudulent bookings and the use of automated bots.
- Aadhaar-Based OTP Verification (from July 15, 2025):
- Adding another layer of security, from July 15th, 2025, an Aadhaar-based One-Time Password (OTP) authentication will become mandatory for all Tatkal bookings, whether done online via IRCTC or offline at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and through authorized agents.
- Users will receive an OTP on the mobile number linked to their Aadhaar, which must be entered to complete the booking process. This verification step aims to further confirm the identity of the ticket purchaser.
- Restrictions on Authorized Agents:
- To prevent bulk bookings during the critical opening period, authorized ticketing agents of Indian Railways will face new restrictions. They will be prohibited from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window on the day the Tatkal quota opens.
- Specifically, agents cannot book AC class Tatkal tickets between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
- For non-AC class Tatkal tickets, the restriction applies from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
- This measure is designed to give genuine individual travelers a better opportunity to book tickets during the initial rush.
Why These Changes?
Indian Railways has observed a significant challenge with the existing Tatkal system, where a considerable percentage of initial login attempts during the Tatkal window were found to be from bots, often operated by illegal agents. These agents used sophisticated software to quickly book tickets in bulk, leaving genuine passengers struggling to secure seats, especially during peak travel seasons. These new rules are a direct response to combat such malpractices, ensuring:
- Fairer Access: By requiring Aadhaar authentication and restricting agents, the Railways aims to ensure that the benefits of the Tatkal scheme reach the common end-users who genuinely need to travel at short notice.
- Enhanced Security: The Aadhaar and OTP verification process will add robust security layers, making the system more resistant to fraud and unauthorized bookings.
- Increased Transparency: The changes are expected to bring greater transparency and accountability to the Tatkal booking process.
What Passengers Need to Do:
Travelers who frequently rely on Tatkal bookings are advised to prepare in advance to ensure a smooth booking experience:
- Link Aadhaar to IRCTC Account: If you haven’t already, log in to your IRCTC account and complete the Aadhaar authentication process under the “My Account” section.
- Update Mobile Number with Aadhaar: Ensure that your current mobile number is updated with your Aadhaar, as the OTP for booking will be sent to this number.
- Be Prepared: For Tatkal bookings, it’s always advisable to be logged in and ready a few minutes before the booking window opens (10:00 AM for AC classes, 11:00 AM for non-AC classes).
These reforms mark a significant step by Indian Railways towards creating a more equitable and secure Tatkal ticket booking system, ultimately benefiting millions of passengers across the country.
