Indian Railways has announced major updates to the Tatkal ticket booking system, aimed at making the process more secure, fair, and transparent for passengers. Effective from July 1 to July 15, 2025, these new rules bring in mandatory Aadhaar OTP verification, stricter agent restrictions, and more. 🚂
If you’re someone who books Tatkal tickets for last-minute travel, here’s everything you should know about the latest changes.
🔑 What Are Tatkal Tickets?
Tatkal tickets are special tickets offered by Indian Railways for travellers who need to plan their journey on short notice. These tickets open for booking one day before the date of the journey and are available for both AC and non-AC classes.
Because of high demand, Tatkal tickets get booked within minutes. Hence, these new rules aim to ensure fair access to genuine passengers and curb misuse by touts and agents.
🆕 What’s Changing from July 2025? 🚂
1. Aadhaar Authentication Made Mandatory for Online Tatkal Bookings
Effective from July 1, 2025:
- Passengers booking Tatkal tickets on IRCTC’s website or app must link their Aadhaar number with their IRCTC account.
- Only Aadhaar-verified users will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets online.
This move helps Indian Railways ensure that each online Tatkal booking is linked to a real individual, cutting down on fraud and multiple fake bookings.
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2. Aadhaar OTP Authentication for Online Bookings
Effective from July 15, 2025:
- In addition to Aadhaar linkage, OTP (One-Time Password) authentication through Aadhaar will be compulsory at the time of booking.
- This means users will receive an OTP on the mobile number linked to their Aadhaar, which must be entered to complete the booking.
This adds a second layer of security and confirms the identity of the ticket buyer.
3. OTP Authentication at Counters and Agents Too
Also effective from July 15, 2025:
- Tatkal bookings done at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters or through authorised railway agents will also require Aadhaar OTP verification.
- Passengers must provide the mobile number linked with Aadhaar to receive the OTP and complete the booking.
NOTE: Whether you’re booking online or offline, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication becomes essential.
4. Time Restrictions for Agents During Tatkal Booking Window
To ensure that general passengers get a fair chance during the high-demand Tatkal booking hours, authorised railway agents will face booking time restrictions:
- AC Class Tatkal Tickets:
Agents cannot book tickets between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM. - Non-AC Class Tatkal Tickets:
Agents cannot book tickets between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.
This 30-minute buffer gives individual users a better shot at booking Tatkal tickets without competition from bulk-booking agents.
💡 Why These Changes Matter
The new rules by Indian Railways are focused on:
- Reducing misuse of Tatkal bookings by touts or automated tools.
- Ensuring fair access for genuine last-minute travellers.
- Improving transparency and accountability in the ticketing process.
- Enhancing security through Aadhaar-based verification.
📋 What Travellers Should Do Now
If you plan to book Tatkal tickets in the future:
- Link your Aadhaar number to your IRCTC account as soon as possible.
- Ensure your mobile number is updated with Aadhaar to receive OTPs.
- Avoid booking through agents during restricted times if you’re a regular passenger.
Final Thoughts: 🚂
These changes mark a major shift in the way Tatkal tickets will be booked in India. While the process might feel slightly longer due to OTP verification, it’s a positive step towards a more secure and fair booking system.
So, make sure you’re prepared before July 2025-and book with confidence, knowing that Indian Railways is working to make your travel experience safer and smoother!
Stay tuned for more updates, and happy travels with Indian Railways!
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