Planning to book a train ticket this July? Think again—because the way you travel is about to change. Starting July 1, Indian Railways is rolling out a major set of rule changes that will impact everything from Tatkal bookings and waitlisted tickets to travel agent access and refund policies. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a festival traveler, or someone who is looking for a last-minute train, these new rules could completely alter your journey.
From stricter guidelines for ticket agents to smarter booking windows and revamped cancellation norms, the updates are aimed at making train travel more transparent, efficient, and possibly, a lot more competitive. Here’s what every traveler needs to know before heading to the station or logging into the IRCTC.
1. Aadhaar-Based OTP Verification Mandatory For Tatkal Bookings
Tatkal ticketing made more accessible for genuine users. pic.twitter.com/KGEAEgugtz
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) June 11, 2025
Starting July 1, 2025, passengers booking Tatkal train tickets on the IRCTC website or mobile app will need to provide Aadhaar-based authentication. This means that only individuals with confirmed Aadhaar numbers will be able to book Tatkal tickets online. This adjustment is intended to reduce misuse and ensure genuine access for travelers. Furthermore, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will become essential for Tatkal bookings made online after July 15, 2025.
Tatkal tickets purchased via authorized agents and computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters will require an OTP authentication code, which will be supplied to the user’s mobile number at the time of booking. This will be effective from July 15, 2025.
2. First Reservation Chart Will Be Prepared 8 Hours Before Departure
In a key procedural change, the first reservation chart will now be released eight hours before train departure, rather than the previous window of four hours. This adjustment has already been piloted on a few trains and is now being implemented more widely.
3. AC Waiting List Limit Increased To 60%
In response to comments, Indian Railways has raised the waiting list cap for air-conditioned coaches from 25% to 60% of total berth capacity. This update addresses underutilization and long lineups caused by a lack of premium class availability.
4. Non-AC Waiting List Is Fixed At 30%
In contrast, waiting list tickets for sleeper and second-class coaches will now be limited to 30%. This balances capacity and demand while avoiding severe overbooking.
5. Agents Are Prohibited From Tatkal Bookings For The First 30 Minutes
To reduce mass buying and prioritize individual customers, agents will be restricted from booking Tatkal tickets for the first 30 minutes after the window opens each day.
6. Minor Fare Increase For Long-Distance Travel
Indian Railways has announced a minor tax hike, the first since 2020:
- ₹0.01/km increase for non-AC Mail/Express trains
- ₹0.02/km increase for AC classes
- Fares for suburban routes, second-class journeys under 500 km, and monthly passes will remain the same.
Are These New Rules Beneficial For Passengers?
At first glance, any rule change sounds like extra confusion, but not this time. The new Indian Railways rules taking effect from July 1 are actually a big win for passengers. These updates are designed to make your train travel faster, fairer, and far less frustrating. With improved chart timings, stricter checks on agents, and smarter IRCTC booking policies, genuine travelers now stand a better chance at getting confirmed tickets, without the stress of middlemen or last-minute shocks.
In a country where millions depend on trains every single day, these changes could be the fresh start, Indian Railways and its passengers have long been waiting for.
While the word “rule change” might sound intimidating, many of these updates are actually in favor of the traveler, aimed at curbing ticket fraud, speeding up last-minute bookings, and giving more power back to genuine passengers. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a holiday explorer, here’s why these rule updates could make your next train journey smoother, smarter, and a little less stressful.
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