Key Highlights:
- Aadhaar OTP verification is now compulsory for IRCTC Tatkal ticket booking.
- Booking agents restricted from accessing Tatkal tickets during first 30 minutes.
- Rule aims to reduce misuse and improve access for genuine travelers.
New Delhi: Indian Railways, one of the world’s largest rail networks, carries millions of passengers every day. To improve services, the railway frequently updates its rules. After recent changes on July 1, another new rule has come into effect from July 15, 2025, aimed at making Tatkal ticket booking more transparent and passenger-friendly.
Aadhaar OTP Verification Now Mandatory for Tatkal Booking
According to the new rule, passengers booking Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC website or app must now complete an Aadhaar OTP verification process. This means travelers must verify their identity using the OTP sent to the mobile number linked to their Aadhaar card.
This change is expected to bring transparency to the ticket booking process and make it easier for common passengers to get Tatkal tickets, which are often difficult to obtain.
Agents Restricted from Early Booking
One of the major complaints from passengers has been that agents book most of the Tatkal tickets within the first 30 minutes, leaving very few for the general public. To solve this, Indian Railways has introduced a rule that agents will not be allowed to book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window.
For AC class, Tatkal booking starts at 10:00 AM.
For non-AC class, it begins at 11:00 AM.
This step aims to give regular passengers a better chance to book their own tickets without interference from agents.
Why This Rule Matters?
With the rise in demand for last-minute travel, Tatkal tickets are often sold out within minutes. This new Aadhaar-based verification system and restriction on agent bookings are designed to increase fairness and prevent misuse of the Tatkal quota by booking agents and bots.
