Category: Government Updates | Public Services | Railways
Date Published: June 7, 2025
Published by: IndianCurrentAffairs.com
🔔 Introduction: Major Update for Tatkal Ticket Bookings
The Indian Railways has introduced a major change in the Tatkal ticket booking system. Starting July 15, 2025, all passengers booking Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC online portal will be mandated to verify their identity using Aadhaar OTP authentication. This move is aimed at curbing fraudulent bookings and ensuring fair access for genuine travelers.
The decision was officially announced by the Ministry of Railways and will be implemented across all classes including AC, Sleeper, and Executive Class Tatkal bookings.
🧾 What Is the New Rule?
From July 15 onwards:
- Users must link their Aadhaar number with their IRCTC account.
- During Tatkal ticket booking, users will receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on the mobile number registered with Aadhaar.
- The booking process will only proceed after successful OTP verification.
This Aadhaar-based verification will be mandatory only for Tatkal bookings. General, Premium Tatkal, and other reservation categories remain unchanged as of now.
🎯 Objective Behind the Move
The Railways has introduced this measure with the primary objective of preventing misuse of the Tatkal quota. Several issues prompted this change:
- Automated software abuse by touts and agents
- Fake user IDs created to hoard tickets during the Tatkal window
- Duplicate bookings using multiple credentials
- High cancellation rates due to speculative bookings
By implementing Aadhaar OTP verification, the authorities aim to:
- Ensure genuine identity verification
- Prevent bulk or bot-based bookings
- Improve transparency and fairness for individual passengers
🧠 How to Get Ready for the Change?
If you’re a frequent Tatkal traveler, here’s how you can prepare:
- Log in to your IRCTC account
- Navigate to “My Profile” and select “Aadhaar KYC”
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
- You’ll receive an OTP on the mobile number linked with Aadhaar
- Submit OTP to complete the process
Post July 15, only IRCTC-verified users with Aadhaar linkage will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets online.
📊 Impact on Travellers
This change is expected to bring mixed reactions:
✅ Positive Impacts:
- Better availability of Tatkal tickets for genuine passengers
- Elimination of tout networks and fraud systems
- Improved user experience with secure booking methods
❌ Challenges:
- Users without Aadhaar or mobile linkage may face difficulties
- Elderly or rural passengers might need assistance during the process
- Increased pressure on Aadhaar authentication servers during peak hours
To mitigate these issues, IRCTC is setting up helplines and Aadhaar-assistance desks at key railway stations.
🇮🇳 Digital Push in Public Transport
This new Aadhaar OTP mandate is part of a larger digital transformation initiative by Indian Railways under the Digital India framework. Similar measures have already been implemented in:
- Online subsidy tracking (LPG, Fertilizers)
- KYC for mobile SIM and bank accounts
- UPI and biometric-based travel pass validations in metro systems
By integrating Aadhaar with railway bookings, the government aims to enhance digital accountability and travel safety.
📅 Key Dates to Remember
- Effective Date: July 15, 2025
- Applicable To: Tatkal bookings on IRCTC only
- Requirement: Aadhaar number linked with IRCTC + OTP verification
🔚 Conclusion
The Aadhaar OTP requirement for Tatkal tickets is a proactive step by Indian Railways to address long-standing concerns around ticketing fraud and passenger inconvenience. While it adds an extra verification step, it also promises a more secure, transparent, and efficient booking system.
Stay informed and prepare in advance to avoid last-minute hassles during Tatkal hours.
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