Starting July 1st, the Railways has mandated Aadhaar OTP verification for Tatkal ticket bookings. This has weakened the grip of agents and made it easier for ordinary passengers to get seats. Tickets are now showing as available in trains.
Railway Rule: Indian Railways has made a significant change to the rules for Tatkal ticket booking. Now, Tatkal tickets will not be issued without Aadhaar-based OTP verification. This system, implemented from July 1, 2025, started showing its effect from the first day itself. Tatkal quota seats are now seen vacant in trains from Delhi to Varanasi, Lucknow, and Bihar.
Aadhaar Mandatory for Tatkal Ticket Booking Now
Under the new rules announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Aadhaar authentication has now been made mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets. This rule has been in effect from July 1, 2025. The purpose is to make the Tatkal ticket process transparent and eliminate the influence of touts.
What are the New Rules for Booking on IRCTC?
Now, only those passengers will be able to book Tatkal tickets from the IRCTC website or mobile app whose Aadhaar number is linked to their profile and who have completed OTP verification. Agents will also have to go through the same process.
Restrictions on Agent Booking
- The Railways has prohibited agents from booking for the first 30 minutes of Tatkal ticket booking.
- For AC class, ordinary passengers can book tickets from 10:00 AM, while agents can book from 10:30 AM.
- Booking for Non-AC class will begin at 11:00 AM for ordinary passengers and at 11:30 AM for agents.
Aadhaar Rule to be Implemented in Counter Bookings from July 15th
The Railways has also announced that Aadhaar verification will be mandatory for bookings made through counters and authorized agents from July 15, 2025. This means that every Tatkal booking will now be done only with Aadhaar-based OTP verification.
Crackdown on Touts and Fake Bookings
The effect of the new system was visible on the very first day. Seats in the Tatkal quota were seen vacant in major trains originating from Delhi after many years. This makes it clear that the influence of touts and agents has decreased.
Passengers' Reactions on Social Media
Passengers have welcomed this change on platforms like Twitter. One user, @akkiahmad91, wrote, "For the first time today, Tatkal tickets are showing as available. This is really a good job." Another user, @realravi45, wrote, "For the first time in my life, I was able to get a confirmed Tatkal ticket from #railoneapp."
Authorized Agents Affected, Protested
The new system has affected the bookings of authorized agents. Now, they cannot book tickets for the first 30 minutes. In addition, the Railways has reduced the number of seats in the Tatkal quota and shifted them to the premium Tatkal quota. This has also increased the prices of seats.
What is a Tatkal Ticket?
Tatkal tickets are for passengers who need to travel in emergencies. This booking is done one day before the journey. Booking starts at 10 AM for AC class and 11 AM for Non-AC. Additional charges are applied to Tatkal tickets, and they are non-refundable.
What is a Premium Tatkal Ticket?
Dynamic pricing is applicable in Premium Tatkal tickets. As seats decrease, the fare increases. This is available online only, and counter or agent bookings are not valid in this.
How to do Aadhaar Verification
- Open the IRCTC website or app.
- Log in.
- Go to the 'Link Aadhaar' option in the profile tab.
- Enter the Aadhaar number and name.
- Tick the consent box and send OTP.
- Enter the OTP and verify.
- After the process is complete, you will be able to book Tatkal tickets.
According to the Ministry of Railways, this change has been made with the aim of giving priority to ordinary passengers. Earlier, agents would complete the bookings in a few minutes, due to which ordinary passengers were not able to get tickets. Now, the process has become transparent with OTP-based verification and time-bound booking.
