By News18
From 1 July, Indian Railways passengers will need to have their IRCTC accounts linked and verified with Aadhaar to book tatkal tickets online.
Those without a verified Aadhaar will have no option but to queue at physical reservation counters, as other ID proofs won’t be accepted for e-bookings until further notice, as per the Financial Express.
This change is aimed at curbing the misuse of software that enables touts to grab tatkal tickets within seconds and later sell them at much higher prices.
New OTP-Based System from July 15
A second phase of verification begins on 15 July, when Railways will roll out an OTP-based Aadhaar verification system for all tatkal ticket bookings—both online and offline, including tickets booked by authorised agents.
The One-Time Password (OTP) system is designed to slow down the process just enough to prevent automated bots and unfair bookings. Every day, around 2.25 lakh tatkal tickets are booked, many of which get snapped up in seconds using illegal tools.
How to Link Aadhaar with IRCTC
To book tatkal tickets online, here’s how to link your Aadhaar:
Log in to IRCTC (website or app)
Go to Profile > Link Aadhaar
Enter Aadhaar number and name
Tick the consent box and click Send OTP
Enter the OTP received on your Aadhaar-linked mobile
Once verified, you’ll get a confirmation message
Reservation Chart Timing Changed
Starting July 1, Indian Railways will also release the final reservation chart 8 hours before train departure, instead of the current 4-hour window. This move helps waitlisted passengers plan better, especially those travelling from nearby towns.
Next-Gen Reservation System by Year-End
A major update is also on the horizon—Railways plans to launch a modern Passenger Reservation System (PRS) by December 2025. This system, being developed by CRIS, will offer a smoother, faster, and more transparent booking experience for all.