From July 1, 2025, the Ministry of Railways mandates Aadhaar authentication for all online Tatkal ticket bookings through IRCTC, per new regulations.
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| Credit _Times of India |
On June 10, 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled an image detailing the revamped Tatkal ticket booking regulations, set to take effect from July 1, 2025, as announced by the Ministry of Railways.
These comprehensive changes will distinctly impact Aadhaar-authenticated and non-Aadhaar users, with a strategic focus on eliminating misuse by unauthorized agents and promoting fair, streamlined access to Tatkal bookings for legitimate passengers.
Compulsory Aadhaar verification for online Tatkal ticket bookings. Beginning July 1, 2025, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will limit Tatkal ticket bookings on its website and mobile application exclusively to Aadhaar-authenticated users.
Only passengers who have successfully linked and verified their Aadhaar details with their IRCTC accounts will be permitted to access and book Tatkal tickets through these online platforms. Furthermore, from July 15, 2025, an additional layer of security will be introduced, requiring an OTP-based Aadhaar verification process to further ensure the authenticity of users and enhance the integrity of the Tatkal booking system.
Non-Aadhaar users face restrictions on Tatkal bookings at counters and via agents: Starting July 1, 2025, passengers without Aadhaar authentication can still book Tatkal tickets, but only at PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters or through authorized YTSK (Yatri Ticket Suvidha Kendra) agents.
From July 15, 2025, these bookings will require an OTP sent to the registered mobile number of the person making the booking, adding an extra layer of security. This change is designed to prevent unauthorized agents from misusing the system and ensure fair access for genuine passengers.
Additionally, authorized travel agents will be restricted from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window: for AC classes, they can start booking only after 10:30 AM (Tatkal opens at 10:00 AM), and for non-AC classes, only after 11:30 AM (Tatkal opens at 11:00 AM). These measures aim to streamline the process and protect legitimate travelers.
Why these changes? In response to rising issues with unauthorized agents engaging in bulk hoarding of Tatkal tickets, which has significantly limited access for everyday passengers, the Ministry of Railways has rolled out new regulations effective from July 1, 2025.
These updated rules are designed to streamline the Tatkal booking process, enhance transparency, and ensure that the Tatkal quota is primarily utilized by genuine travelers, thereby improving fairness and accessibility for regular users.
What it means for you? Indian Railways is introducing new rules to tighten Tatkal ticket bookings and reduce misuse. From July 1, only Aadhaar-verified users will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets online via the IRCTC portal.
Passengers without Aadhaar verification will have to book Tatkal tickets through railway counters or authorised agents. To further promote fairness, authorised agents will be restricted from booking tickets during the first 30 minutes of the Tatkal booking window, giving individual users better access.
These changes aim to close loopholes, curb ticket touting, and ensure that genuine passengers have a fairer chance at securing last-minute travel.
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