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Tatkal Booking

Gadag Wadi Rail

Indian Railways Tatkal Booking: New Aadhaar Authentication Rules & Agent Ban

Indian Railways has announced significant changes in the Tatkal Booking system that will come into effect from 1 July 2025. These changes are aimed at improving transparency, preventing misuse, and ensuring that genuine passengers have a fair chance of securing Tatkal tickets. The most notable updates in the new IRCTC new Tatkal rules include mandatory Aadhaar authentication Tatkal and a Tatkal ticket agent ban during the first 30 minutes of the booking window.

What is Tatkal Booking?

  • Tatkal Booking is a scheme introduced by Indian Railways to provide passengers with last-minute travel options. It allows travelers to book tickets at short notice by paying a premium fare. The Tatkal Booking Time typically opens one day prior to the journey date, and the tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

New Aadhaar Authentication for Tatkal Booking

  • From 1 July 2025, Aadhaar authentication Tatkal will be mandatory for all Tatkal ticket bookings through the IRCTC website and IRCTC app. Passengers will be required to link their Aadhaar numbers to their IRCTC accounts. The purpose of this step is to prevent fraudulent bookings and ensure that tickets go to genuine passengers.
  • According to Indian Railways, this move will significantly enhance the security of the booking process. Furthermore, starting 15 July 2025, even stricter measures will be introduced where all online Tatkal bookings will need to pass OTP-based verification through Aadhaar. Passengers will receive a One-Time Password (OTP) on their registered mobile number linked with Aadhaar, and only after entering this OTP will the booking be confirmed.

Tatkal Booking at PRS Counters and Agents

  • The new rules are not limited to online bookings. From 15 July 2025, all Tatkal tickets booked at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and through authorised railway agents will also require OTP-based Aadhaar authentication. This ensures uniformity in the booking process across all modes and helps curb misuse at offline counters.

Tatkal Ticket Agent Ban for First 30 Minutes

  • One of the key features of the new IRCTC new Tatkal rules is the Tatkal ticket agent ban during the most critical booking period. Agents will be barred from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window:
    • For AC classes, agents are restricted from booking between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM.
    • For non-AC classes, agents cannot book from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
  • This initiative by Indian Railways ensures that individual passengers get a fair opportunity to secure Tatkal tickets without competing against agents who often book in bulk in the initial minutes.

Tatkal Booking Timings

  • Here’s a quick reminder of Tatkal Booking Timing under the new rules:
    • AC class Tatkal Booking Time: Opens at 10:00 AM one day prior to the journey.
    • Non-AC class Tatkal Booking Time: Opens at 11:00 AM one day prior to the journey.
  • Passengers must plan accordingly and complete Aadhaar linking and mobile verification well in advance.

Why Aadhaar Authentication for Tatkal Booking?

  • Indian Railways introduced Aadhaar authentication Tatkal to achieve the following goals:
    • Prevent misuse: The OTP-based system makes it difficult for touts and unauthorised agents to block tickets unfairly.
    • Enhance transparency: Each booking is tied to a verified identity, creating accountability.
    • Promote fairness: Ensures that genuine passengers get better chances to book Tatkal tickets.
    • Secure process: Reduces cases of fake bookings and identity misuse.

How to Prepare for the New Tatkal Booking Rules

  • Passengers planning to use the Tatkal scheme after 1 July 2025 should take these steps:
    • Link Aadhaar with IRCTC account: Log in to your IRCTC account and complete the Aadhaar linkage process.
    • Update mobile number: Make sure your mobile number linked with Aadhaar is active and updated.
    • Test OTP system: Try a trial booking or check your profile to ensure you can receive OTPs successfully.

IRCTC and Railways System Upgrade

  • The Railway Ministry has instructed the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC to ensure system upgrades are completed before July 2025. They are also coordinating with zonal railways to provide a smooth and hassle-free transition for passengers.

Tatkal Booking: Key Points at a Glance

  • Aadhaar authentication Tatkal is mandatory for all bookings from 1 July 2025.
  • OTP-based verification will be required from 15 July 2025 for both online and offline bookings.
  • Tatkal ticket agent ban in the first 30 minutes of Tatkal Booking Time.
  • Tatkal Booking Timings: 10:00 AM for AC class, 11:00 AM for non-AC class.
  • Passengers should link their Aadhaar number and verify mobile numbers to avoid booking issues.

Final Words

  • With the introduction of Aadhaar authentication Tatkal and the Tatkal ticket agent ban, Indian Railways aims to make the Tatkal Booking process more transparent and fair for genuine passengers. Ensure you complete your Aadhaar linking and mobile verification well in advance to enjoy a hassle-free booking experience when the new rules come into effect.

Reference

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