In a major development aimed at improving the efficiency of train ticket bookings, the Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced that Aadhaar-verified users will get priority access to train ticket booking starting October 1, 2025. This move is part of Indian Railways’ broader plan to streamline ticket reservations, reduce misuse of Tatkal quotas, and ensure fair access for genuine passengers.
What Is Changing from October 1?
Under the new policy, IRCTC will roll out priority booking access for users whose Aadhaar is linked to their IRCTC accounts. Here’s what this means:
- Faster Access During Peak Hours: Aadhaar-verified users will get priority slots for booking tickets during the opening hours of Tatkal and general quota bookings.
- Reduced Risk of Fraud: Linking Aadhaar helps ensure that tickets are booked by genuine travelers rather than touts or unauthorized agents.
- One Account, One User: Aadhaar verification will also prevent misuse of multiple IRCTC accounts for bulk booking.
Why Aadhaar Verification for IRCTC?
The decision to prioritize Aadhaar users is driven by several factors:
- Curbing Malpractices – IRCTC has faced challenges with touts bulk-booking tickets using automated bots, leaving genuine passengers struggling to secure seats. Aadhaar verification will ensure accountability.
- Improving Transparency – Aadhaar authentication allows IRCTC to maintain a more accurate passenger database.
- Seamless Travel Experience – Verified users will have smoother cancellations, refunds, and access to other IRCTC services like e-catering and tourism packages.
How to Link Aadhaar with IRCTC Account
If you haven’t linked your Aadhaar with IRCTC yet, here’s how you can do it:
- Login to IRCTC: Visit the official IRCTC website or open the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app.
- Go to ‘My Profile’: Click on the Aadhaar KYC option.
- Enter Aadhaar Details: Provide your 12-digit Aadhaar number and verify it using OTP sent to your registered mobile number.
- Verification Status: Once successful, your account will be marked as Aadhaar-verified, and you will be eligible for priority bookings.
Benefits of Priority IRCTC Booking for Aadhaar Users
The new feature is expected to significantly improve the travel experience for millions of Indian passengers. Some key benefits include:
- Better Chances of Confirmed Tickets: Especially helpful during peak festive seasons and weekends when trains run at full capacity.
- Smooth Tatkal Booking: Reduced competition from automated scripts means Aadhaar users stand a better chance of getting confirmed Tatkal tickets.
- Enhanced Security: Passenger identity verification will minimize fake bookings.
- Exclusive Offers in Future: IRCTC may roll out special discounts or loyalty rewards for verified users.
Concerns and Criticisms
While the move has been widely welcomed, there are also concerns:
- Privacy Issues: Some users worry about sharing Aadhaar details online due to data security concerns.
- Digital Divide: Passengers without internet access or smartphones may face difficulties linking Aadhaar.
- Implementation Challenges: The success of this initiative will depend on IRCTC’s ability to handle large-scale Aadhaar authentication smoothly, especially during booking rush hours.
IRCTC’s Clarification
IRCTC has clarified that Aadhaar linkage will not be mandatory for booking train tickets. Non-Aadhaar users will still be able to book tickets, but Aadhaar-linked users will get priority access during booking windows.
The organization also confirmed that Aadhaar data will be handled as per UIDAI’s security guidelines, ensuring encryption and protection of personal information.
Expected Impact on Ticket Booking
Experts predict that this move will have multiple positive outcomes:
- Increased Confirmation Rates – Genuine travelers will have a better chance of getting confirmed tickets.
- Boost to Digital India Mission – Encourages more people to adopt Aadhaar-linked services.
- Reduced Ticket Black Market – Harder for touts to exploit the system.
Government’s Push for Aadhaar Integration
This step aligns with the government’s broader effort to integrate Aadhaar with key citizen services, including subsidies, income tax filing, and banking. By extending Aadhaar integration to railways, the government aims to create a unified, transparent, and citizen-friendly transport ecosystem.
What Passengers Should Do Before October 1
To take advantage of priority booking, passengers should:
- Link Aadhaar Early: Avoid last-minute rush by completing KYC now.
- Check Mobile Number: Ensure your Aadhaar-linked number is active for OTP verification.
- Update IRCTC Profile: Verify that your name, date of birth, and gender match Aadhaar records to avoid authentication failures.
Conclusion
The Aadhaar-based priority booking system by IRCTC is a step toward making train travel in India more transparent, efficient, and passenger-friendly. While some concerns about privacy and accessibility remain, the move is expected to significantly improve the chances of confirmed tickets for millions of travelers.
From October 1, Aadhaar-verified passengers can look forward to a smoother and faster booking experience, especially during high-demand periods like festivals, holidays, and weekends.