IRCTC Unveils Major Changes to Tatkal Booking Rules: Aadhaar Mandatory from July 1

NEW DELHI, India – Indian Railways is set to roll out significant changes to its Tatkal ticket booking system, with new rules coming into effect from July 1, 2025. These comprehensive policy adjustments, announced by the Ministry of Railways, are designed to enhance transparency, combat fraud, and ensure equitable access to emergency train travel for genuine passengers.

The biggest shift mandates Aadhaar verification for all Tatkal bookings made through the IRCTC website or app. From July 1, users will only be able to proceed with Tatkal booking if their IRCTC account is linked and verified with their Aadhaar number.

Adding another layer of security, OTP-based Aadhaar authentication will become compulsory for every Tatkal booking from July 15, 2025. This means that even after linking their Aadhaar, users will receive an OTP on their Aadhaar-registered mobile number which must be entered to complete the booking process. This measure aims to confirm the user's identity and prevent manipulation by bots or unauthorized accounts. This OTP verification will also extend to Tatkal tickets booked at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and through authorized railway agents.

Furthermore, strict restrictions will be imposed on agents during the initial booking period to provide regular users with a fairer opportunity:

• AC Class (1A, 2A, 3A): Agents will be prohibited from booking between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
• Non-AC Class (SL, 2S): Agents will be prohibited from booking between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.

The Ministry of Railways has urged all passengers to link their Aadhaar numbers with their IRCTC accounts well in advance of the July 1 deadline to avoid any last-minute booking complications. This transformative step by IRCTC is expected to significantly streamline the Tatkal booking process, making it more accessible and fair for millions of commuters.