Beginning July 1, 2025, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will implement a new rule requiring all users to have their Aadhaar numbers linked and verified for Tatkal ticket bookings. This change applies to both the IRCTC website and mobile app platforms and is being introduced to curb widespread misuse of the Tatkal system. The system, designed to provide last-minute travel options for passengers, has long been plagued by fraudulent practices and excessive agent intervention. By mandating Aadhaar linkage, IRCTC aims to ensure that only genuine passengers can access Tatkal tickets, improving transparency and the overall efficiency of the booking process.
In a second phase of implementation starting July 15, 2025, IRCTC will roll out OTP-based Aadhaar authentication. Users attempting to book Tatkal tickets will be prompted to verify their identity through a one-time password (OTP) sent to the mobile number registered with their Aadhaar. This verification step will be required not only for direct online bookings but also for reservations made through PRS counters and authorized travel agents. The measure enhances digital security and makes it more difficult for bots or fraudulent users to exploit the system. Passengers are strongly advised to update their IRCTC profiles and link Aadhaar details well in advance.
Additionally, IRCTC has introduced a new time restriction on agent bookings. Starting July 1, agents will be prohibited from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window—from 10:00 to 10:30 AM for AC classes and 11:00 to 11:30 AM for non-AC classes. This rule is intended to give individual travelers a better chance at securing tickets without unfair competition from bulk bookings handled by agents. Overall, these reforms are part of a broader effort to modernize India’s rail ticketing system by integrating digital identity, reducing fraudulent activity, and prioritizing regular passengers over commercial intermediaries.
Follow us for more updates
Instagram – Khabarsaathi
Facebook – Khabarsaathi