Indian Railways has announced significant changes in the Tatkal ticket booking system to make it more transparent, secure, and fair for genuine passengers. Starting July 1, 2025, Aadhaar verification will be mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets on the IRCTC website or mobile app. Additionally, from July 15, Aadhaar-based OTP verification will also become compulsory for online bookings, as well as for those made at PRS counters or through authorised railway agents.
Why These Changes Were Introduced
The Ministry of Railways has taken this step to curb the misuse of the Tatkal ticketing system, which has often been plagued by scalpers, bots, and fake IDs. The aim is to ensure fairness and give genuine passengers a better chance at securing last-minute train tickets without having to rely on agents or face unnecessary delays.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the update on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “Tatkal ticketing made more accessible for genuine users.” This move is part of a broader effort to digitize railway services and ensure greater accountability and security for passengers.
Tatkal ticketing made more accessible for genuine users. pic.twitter.com/KGEAEgugtz
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 11, 2025
Key Changes in Tatkal Ticket Booking Effective from July 2025
1. Mandatory Aadhaar Authentication (From July 1, 2025)
All users who wish to book Tatkal tickets via the IRCTC official website or mobile app must have their Aadhaar linked and verified. Without this, users will not be able to proceed with any Tatkal booking.
Aadhaar details will be cross-verified in real-time through UIDAI during login or booking.
Passengers are urged to update their IRCTC profiles in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
2. OTP-Based Aadhaar Verification (From July 15, 2025)
To enhance security, an OTP will be sent to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number for every Tatkal booking. This applies to:
Online bookings via IRCTC
Bookings at PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters
Bookings made through authorised agents
This OTP-based layer ensures that only the actual Aadhaar holder can make the booking, thus reducing impersonation and fraud.
Restrictions on Authorised Agents
To further ensure that Tatkal tickets reach common users and are not bulk-booked by agents, Indian Railways has restricted agent access to the booking system during peak hours.
New Time Restrictions for Agents:
AC Class Bookings: Agents can book only after 10:30 AM (Tatkal window opens at 10:00 AM)
Sleeper Class Bookings: Agents can book only after 11:30 AM (Tatkal window opens at 11:00 AM)
This 30-minute buffer allows regular passengers to have a fair chance at securing tickets before agents begin their transactions.
Background: Why Tatkal Needed Reform
Millions of Indians rely on Tatkal tickets to travel on short notice. However, over the years, this system has been heavily abused by:
Fake IRCTC IDs
Bots that book tickets within seconds
Middlemen charging high premiums
Booking syndicates operating through multiple agents
To tackle this, Indian Railways has taken a multi-pronged approach involving technology, policy changes, and enforcement.
Some recent achievements include:
Deactivation of 2.5 crore suspicious IRCTC IDs
Introduction of AI-based identity screening
Strengthening server capacity (IRCTC handled 31,814 bookings in just 60 seconds on May 22)
Impact on Passengers
Positive Outcomes for Genuine Users
Improved fairness and access
Greater transparency in booking
Reduced dependence on agents
Faster, secure booking experience
What Passengers Need to Do
Link Aadhaar with your IRCTC account before July 1, 2025
Ensure your Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active for OTP verification
Avoid last-minute updates or changes in your profile
Implementation and Rollout
The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC have been instructed to update the backend systems and notify all Zonal Railways. Information campaigns and SMS/email alerts are being rolled out to inform passengers of these upcoming changes.
The Ministry has also advised ticketing agents to adhere strictly to the new guidelines. Violations or misuse will attract strict penalties, including license suspension.
Final Thoughts
The new Tatkal ticket rules mark a significant step toward creating a fairer and more secure ticketing system for Indian Railways. By making Aadhaar verification mandatory and restricting agent access during the crucial initial booking window, the railway ministry aims to empower genuine passengers and eliminate fraudulent practices.
Passengers are encouraged to act now and update their IRCTC profiles with Aadhaar to ensure a smooth travel experience from July 1, 2025, onward.
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