Indian Railways has made a major change in General Reservation ticket booking from October 1, 2025. Now, Aadhaar verification is mandatory for booking tickets through both online and counter channels. Agents will not be able to book tickets for the first 15 minutes. This step has been taken to prevent fake bookings, black marketing, and bots, ensuring priority and security for common passengers.
Railway Ticket Booking Rules: Indian Railways has implemented a new rule for General Reservation ticket booking from October 1, 2025, making Aadhaar verification mandatory for passengers booking tickets online or at counters. This change is applicable across India and involves passengers, IRCTC, and railway agents. The new rule aims to enhance security against fake bookings, agent malpractices, and bots, ensuring passengers can easily obtain tickets and making the reservation process more transparent.
Indian Railways Introduces Major Change in Ticket Booking Rules
Indian Railways has introduced a significant change in General Reservation ticket booking rules starting October 1, 2025. Now, Aadhaar verification will be mandatory for both online and counter bookings. Passengers will need to link their Aadhaar and complete e-verification to book tickets on the IRCTC website or mobile app within the first 15 minutes of General Reservation opening. This measure has been taken to prevent black marketing, agent manipulation, and fake bookings caused by bots.
New Rule for Online Booking
According to the new process, if your IRCTC account is already linked with Aadhaar, ticket booking will be simpler. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar during ticket booking, and the ticket will be confirmed only after entering this OTP. Agents will not be able to book tickets for the initial 15 minutes, which gives priority to common passengers.
Passengers will no longer have to rely solely on mobile numbers or emails for ticket booking. With verification becoming mandatory for every booking, the possibility of fake bookings will be minimized. This change is particularly beneficial for passengers who face difficulties in getting tickets during peak times.
Also Applicable to Counter Bookings
Not just online, but providing an Aadhaar number will also be mandatory for booking tickets at the PRS counters at railway stations. Verification here will also be done via OTP. If a passenger is booking a ticket for a family member or friend, that person's Aadhaar number and OTP will be required.
According to the Railways, with the implementation of the new rules, agents will not be able to book tickets during the initial period, and Aadhaar verification will be mandatory even thereafter. This will increase the likelihood of passengers easily obtaining tickets and will control booking activities involving fake IDs or software.
Benefits for Passengers
- Fake bookings and ticket blocking through bots will be prevented.
- Common passengers will receive priority in reservations.
- Security will be enhanced by linking mobile numbers and Aadhaar.
- Both counter and online bookings will become more secure.
