R. Suryamurthy
In a significant policy update aimed at enhancing transparency and curbing ticketing fraud, Indian Railways has announced sweeping changes to the Tatkal ticket booking system, effective from July 1, 2025. The move introduces mandatory Aadhaar-based verification and restricts agent access during peak booking hours, providing a fairer booking opportunity to genuine passengers.
Aadhaar Verification Now Compulsory for Online Tatkal Bookings
From July 1, all Tatkal tickets booked online via the IRCTC website or mobile app will require Aadhaar authentication. This step will ensure that every ticket is linked to a verified user, reducing the chances of fraudulent and bulk bookings by unscrupulous agents.
Further strengthening the digital verification process, from July 15, OTP (One-Time Password) verification based on Aadhaar will become compulsory for all online Tatkal bookings. This added layer of authentication is expected to bolster passenger identity verification.
Offline and Agent Bookings Also to Require OTP from July 15
The new verification requirements extend to offline bookings as well. From July 15, passengers booking Tatkal tickets through Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters or authorised agents will also need to complete OTP authentication. The OTP will be sent to the mobile number provided during booking, ensuring that the transaction is being carried out by or for the actual traveller.
Booking Time Restrictions for Agents
To address the issue of agents monopolising Tatkal tickets during the initial minutes of availability, Indian Railways has barred authorised agents from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window. The restriction applies as follows:
- AC class Tatkal bookings: Agents barred from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM
- Non-AC class Tatkal bookings: Agents barred from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM
This restriction is aimed at giving individual passengers an unencumbered opportunity to book high-demand tickets.
Implementation and Advisory
The Railways Ministry stated that these changes are designed to “enhance transparency in Tatkal bookings and ensure genuine passengers benefit from the facility.” The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC have been instructed to update the ticketing systems accordingly and coordinate with all Zonal Railways for smooth implementation.
Passengers are advised to link their Aadhaar with their IRCTC accounts well in advance to avoid disruptions during Tatkal bookings after the new rules come into effect.
