New Delhi: July 15, 2025
Starting *July 15, 2025, Indian Railways has introduced **significant changes to the Tatkal ticket booking process. One of the key updates is the *mandatory Aadhaar authentication for all users booking Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC portal.
This move is aimed at enhancing security, curbing fraudulent bookings, and ensuring genuine passengers benefit from the Tatkal quota.
What’s New in Tatkal Ticket Booking from July 15?
- Aadhaar OTP Verification Required:
Passengers must now verify their identity through OTP-based Aadhaar authentication when booking Tatkal tickets online via IRCTC. - Agent Booking Time Revised:
Authorized agents can book Tatkal tickets only after a 30-minute window from the start of general booking. This step is to prevent misuse and bulk booking by ticket touts. - Aadhaar Needed at Station Counters Too:
Whether booking online or at a *railway station counter, passengers are now required to provide *Aadhaar details. - What if OTP Doesn’t Arrive?
In case your mobile number is not linked with Aadhaar and you do not receive the OTP, you should immediately contact Railway helplines: 139 or 1947 for assistance.
Why This Rule Change Matters
The decision is a proactive measure by Indian Railways to tackle the growing problem of ticketing scams, unauthorized agents, and middlemen exploitation. With Aadhaar verification, the Railways aim to maintain transparency, reduce black marketing, and make Tatkal tickets more accessible to common travelers.
Key Highlights
- New rules effective from July 15, 2025
- Aadhaar OTP verification is now compulsory
- IRCTC online users must complete real-time authentication
- Agents restricted from early bookings
- Aadhaar required for station counter bookings too