Indian Railways has announced significant changes to its Tatkal ticket booking system, effective July 2025, aimed at ensuring fair and transparent access for genuine passengers and curbing misuse.
Key Modifications Include:
- Mandatory Aadhaar for Online Tatkal: From July 1, 2025, Tatkal tickets booked via the IRCTC website and mobile app will be exclusively available to users with authenticated Aadhaar. Furthermore, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will become mandatory for online Tatkal bookings starting July 15, 2025.
- OTP Authentication at Counters and Agents: Effective July 15, Tatkal tickets booked at computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and through authorized agents will require a One-Time Password (OTP) sent to the user’s mobile number provided during booking.
- Agent Booking Restrictions: To prevent bulk bookings during peak hours, authorized ticketing agents will be barred from booking opening-day Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window. This restriction applies from 10 am to 10.30 am for AC classes and 11 am to 11.30 am for non-AC classes.
These new provisions are being implemented to enhance transparency and ensure that the benefits of the Tatkal scheme reach genuine end-users. CRIS and IRCTC have been directed to make the necessary system modifications.
The Ministry of Railways urges all passengers to note these changes and advises them to link their Aadhaar to their IRCTC user profiles to avoid any inconvenience.
