Indian Railways makes Aadhaar OTP verification mandatory to increase transparency in Tatkal ticket booking
Indian Railways’ New Rule: Mandatory e-Aadhaar Authentication for Tatkal Ticket Booking
In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency and fairness in the Tatkal ticketing process, Indian Railways has announced the implementation of mandatory e-Aadhaar authentication for booking Tatkal train tickets. This initiative is set to commence by the end of June 2025.
What is the New Rule?
Under the new system, passengers will be required to authenticate their identity using e-Aadhaar (Aadhaar card-based OTP) during the booking process on the IRCTC platform. This measure applies to both online and counter bookings. Only IRCTC accounts linked with Aadhaar will be permitted to book Tatkal tickets during the initial 10-minute window when bookings open. Notably, authorized IRCTC agents will be restricted from making bookings during this period.
Why Was This Step Taken?
The Tatkal booking system has long been exploited by touts and automated bots, leading to the hoarding of tickets and depriving genuine passengers of confirmed bookings. To address this, over 2.5 crore (25 million) suspicious user IDs have been deactivated, and an additional 20 lakh (2 million) accounts are under investigation. This move aims to curb such malpractices and ensure that authentic travelers have equitable access to Tatkal tickets.
Benefits for Genuine Passengers
- Priority Booking: Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts will receive priority during the first 10 minutes of the Tatkal booking window.
- Enhanced Security: The new system will help identify and block fraudulent accounts, reducing the chances of unauthorized bookings.
- Fair Access: This initiative aims to ensure that genuine passengers have a fair opportunity to secure Tatkal tickets.
What Should Passengers Do?
- Link Aadhaar with IRCTC Account: Ensure your IRCTC account is linked with your Aadhaar card to avail the benefits of the new system.
- Verify Identity: During the booking process, authenticate your identity using the OTP sent to your registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
- Report Suspicious Activities: If you encounter any fraudulent activities or unauthorized bookings, report them to the railway authorities promptly.
Implementation Timeline:
Indian Railways is set to implement mandatory e-Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal ticket bookings by the end of June 2025. This initiative aims to enhance transparency, curb misuse, and streamline the ticketing process for last-minute bookings. The move is part of the Indian government’s broader efforts to eliminate fraudulent practices in reserved ticket bookings, particularly under the Tatkal quota, which is known for high demand and frequent misuse.
Passengers are advised to complete the necessary linkages and verifications well in advance to avoid any inconvenience. This proactive approach will ensure a smoother booking experience and prevent any disruptions when the new system is implemented.
With the introduction of this system, passengers will need to link their Aadhaar number with their IRCTC account and complete a one-time verification. Only those who have verified their Aadhaar will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets during the first few minutes after the booking window opens. Even authorised travel agents will not be allowed to book tickets during this initial period, giving genuine users a better chance to secure their seats.
For an enhanced booking experience, Indian Railways have also strengthened the website by implementing anti-bot systems and technical infrastructure improvements. These steps intend to prevent automated tools from being misused and ensure a smooth experience for the genuine user. Along with removing fake accounts from the system, Railways is using new tools to detect and block suspicious activity during peak hours.
Officials also mentioned that e-Aadhaar verification may soon be required even for booking Tatkal tickets at railway counters. Ensuring that the rules are the same for both offline and online bookings was the intent. Passengers are being encouraged to report any kind of fraud or misuse through the Cyber Crime Portal in an attempt at cleaning up the ticketing process in favour of the genuine travelling passenger.
For all those who frequently book Tatkal tickets, it’s high time to link your Aadhaar with the IRCTC account. Indian Railways believes these changes will bring meaning to last-minute ticket booking, aiming for transparency, security, and fairness for all. In this new system, your Aadhaar is not just an ID; it’s the key to getting your ticket.
Conclusion
This reform by Indian Railways is a commendable step towards ensuring a transparent, fair, and secure Tatkal booking system. By prioritizing genuine passengers and curbing fraudulent activities, the initiative aims to restore trust in the ticketing process and provide equitable travel opportunities for all.
