In a bid to ensure fair and transparent access to Tatkal tickets and safeguard the interests of genuine passengers, Indian Railways has announced sweeping modifications to its Tatkal ticket booking system. These changes are designed to improve user authentication and curb misuse of the scheme, with new provisions set to be introduced over the coming weeks.
Also Read: EIL and CEIL Celebrate Role in World’s Highest Railway Arch—Chenab Rail Bridge
Effective 1st July 2025, Tatkal tickets booked online through the official IRCTC website and mobile app will be accessible only to users authenticated with Aadhaar. Further, starting 15th July 2025, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will be mandatory for all online Tatkal bookings, reinforcing stricter identity verification.
For tickets booked at computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and through authorised agents, the new rules mandate OTP authentication sent to the mobile number provided during the booking process; this measure will also come into force on 15th July 2025. Additionally, to prevent bulk bookings during the critical opening period, authorised ticketing agents will face a time restriction: AC class Tatkal bookings will be suspended from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, while non-AC class bookings will be halted from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM on the opening day.
These comprehensive modifications are aimed at making Tatkal bookings more transparent and ensuring that the benefits of the scheme directly reach genuine end users. The Controller of Railway Information System (CRIS) and IRCTC have been instructed to implement the necessary system updates and coordinate with all Zonal Railways and concerned departments.
In a final advisory, the Ministry of Railways urged all passengers to link their Aadhaar with their IRCTC user profiles to avoid any inconvenience under the new system.
