If you are a frequent traveller who relies on Tatkal tickets for last-minute journeys, get ready for some major changes! Indian Railways is rolling out new rules that will completely transform how you book Tatkal tickets. Starting July 1, 2025, your booking experience is about to get more secure, but also more restricted.
Aadhaar Authentication Is Mandatory For Tatkal Tickets
In a significant policy shift, Indian Railways announced on June 10, 2025, that only Aadhaar-authenticated users will be able to book train tickets from July 1, 2025. This decision affects millions of passengers who depend on the Tatkal scheme for urgent travel needs.
Tatkal ticketing made more accessible for genuine users. pic.twitter.com/KGEAEgugtz
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 11, 2025
The railway ministry issued this directive to all railway zones, clearly stating that this aims to ensure that the benefits of the Tatkal scheme are received by common end-users.
Changes From July 1
Primary Authentication Requirement
The official communication from the ministry was clear: “With effect from 01-07-2025, tickets under the Tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation, its app, only by an Aadhaar-authenticated user.”
This means if you haven’t linked your Aadhaar card with your IRCTC account, you are out of luck. No more Tatkal bookings for you until you complete this authentication process.
Additional Aadhaar OTP Authentication
But wait, there is more. From July 15, 2025, the process becomes even more secure. The passenger will need to complete an additional Aadhaar Best OTP authentication step for the Tatkal quota.
How Does This Affect Train Travel?
Here is something that might surprise you: authorised ticket agents are facing new restrictions. These agents will be prohibited from securing first-day Tatkal tickets during the initial 30-minute period of the booking.
Agents’ Restriction Timing:
- Air-conditioned classes: 10 AM to 10:30 AM
- Non-air-conditioned classes: 11 AM to 11:30 AM
This 30-minute window is now exclusively reserved for individual passengers, giving common travellers a better chance to secure tickets.
Why Do These Changes Matter?
The railway ministry’s decision is not random. The scheme was designed to help ordinary passengers who need urgent travel arrangements. However, over the years, many felt that agents and workers were taking advantage of the system, leaving genuine travellers empty-handed.
By implementing Aadhaar authentication, the ministry hopes to:
- Reduce ticket touting
- Ensure access for genuine passengers
- Prevent bulk booking by unauthorised agents
- Create a more transparent booking
The Centre of Railway Information System and IRCTC have received clear instructions from the ministry to implement the required system, alterations, and relay. These updates are to be relayed to every zonal Railway division.
The move aims to make the Tatkal ticket booking process easier for passengers. It might initially seem more complicated due to the additional verification step.
What Do You Need To Do?
If you are a regular Tatkal user, here is your action plan:
- Verify your Aadhaar authentication on the IRCTC website immediately.
- Ensure your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar and is active.
- Understand the new booking process before July to avoid last-minute hassle.
- Keep your details handy for the OTP verification from July 15.
These new rules represent a major shift in how Tatkal tickets will be booked. While the additional security measures might seem inconvenient initially, they are designed to create a fair system for everyone. The key is to prepare yourself now, so you are ready when these changes take effect.
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