PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, 12 June: In a major reform aimed at curbing misuse and ensuring equitable access to emergency travel bookings, Indian Railways has announced significant changes to its Tatkal ticketing system, set to take effect from 1 July 2025.
The overhaul seeks to tackle the growing misuse of the scheme by unauthorised agents and automated bot software, which have long deprived genuine passengers of timely bookings.
Aadhaar Now Compulsory for Online Tatkal Bookings
From 1 July, Aadhaar authentication will become mandatory for booking Tatkal e-tickets via the IRCTC website and mobile app. This move is aimed at verifying the identity of users and preventing bulk bookings by unauthorised means. Furthermore, from 15 July, an OTP-based Aadhaar verification system will be introduced to strengthen the authentication process.
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Mobile OTP Required for Counter Bookings
Tatkal tickets booked at PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters or through authorised agents (YTSKs) will also require OTP verification from 15 July onwards. The OTP will be sent to the mobile number provided during booking, and tickets will only be issued upon successful confirmation.
Dedicated Time Slots for Individual Passengers
In a bid to prioritise individual users, Indian Railways will reserve the initial 30 minutes of the Tatkal booking window exclusively for personal use. For AC classes, this period will be from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, and for non-AC classes, from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Travel agents and booking agencies will be permitted to access Tatkal quotas only after these time windows.
Alternative Access for Non-Aadhaar Holders
Passengers who do not possess an Aadhaar number will still be able to book Tatkal tickets at PRS counters or through authorised travel agents, provided they complete OTP verification using a registered mobile number.
Crackdown on Bot Usage Already Underway
As part of its ongoing crackdown on fraudulent activity, Indian Railways has already deactivated over 2.5 crore suspicious IRCTC user IDs over the past six months—most of which were associated with bot-driven bookings.
A Step Towards Fairer and Safer Travel
The revamped Tatkal system is part of a broader initiative by Indian Railways to enhance transparency, promote fairness, and upgrade its digital infrastructure. Officials emphasised that these changes are designed to ensure that the Tatkal scheme benefits ordinary passengers who rely on last-minute bookings for urgent travel.
