By Kavita Mistry 
Indian Railways has introduced new guidelines to make Tatkal ticket booking more secure and transparent. The overhaul includes Aadhaar-based authentication, OTP verification, and time restrictions for agents—all aimed at prioritizing individual passengers over bulk or fraudulent bookings.
Aadhaar Authentication Made Mandatory
From July 1, only users with Aadhaar-linked IRCTC profiles will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets online. Beginning July 15, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication becomes compulsory across all platforms, including PRS counters and agent portals. This move aims to reduce bot-driven and proxy bookings.
Agent Restrictions in First 30 Minutes
To prevent bulk buying by travel agents, Tatkal bookings by authorized agents will be restricted for the first 30 minutes. For AC class, agents cannot book from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, and for non-AC, the window is from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM. This gives individual users a fairer chance during peak demand.
Railways Directs CRIS & IRCTC to Implement Changes
The Ministry of Railways has instructed the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC to execute system upgrades and notify all Zonal Railways. These upgrades aim to support the OTP and Aadhaar-linked protocols smoothly.
Passengers Urged to Update Aadhaar on IRCTC
To avoid any disruptions, passengers are advised to link their Aadhaar numbers with their IRCTC profiles before the new rules take effect. This will ensure a seamless booking experience once the new regulations are implemented in July.
Conclusion
The Indian Railways’ revamped Tatkal ticketing policy introduces critical security layers and booking restrictions to tackle misuse. With Aadhaar authentication and tighter control on agent activities, these measures are expected to make last-minute ticketing more equitable and efficient for genuine travelers.