From July 1, Aadhaar Verification Mandatory for Railway Tatkal Tickets; Relief Expected for General Passengers
There’s good news for millions of railway passengers across the country. The long-standing issue of not getting confirmed tickets under Tatkal booking is expected to be resolved soon. The Railway Ministry has decided to make Aadhaar verification mandatory starting from July 1, 2025. After this, only users with Aadhaar authentication will be allowed to book Tatkal train tickets.
The Railway Ministry issued a circular to all zonal railways on June 10, 2025, stating that the objective behind this move is to ensure that the benefits of the Tatkal scheme reach genuine passengers. Experts believe that this step will make it easier to get confirmed tickets and will curb black marketing and hoarding of tickets by agents and touts.
Aadhaar-Based OTP Authentication to Be Implemented
From July 1, Tatkal tickets can only be booked through IRCTC’s official website or mobile application. Only those users who have completed Aadhaar verification will be able to book tickets. In addition, from July 15, 2025, Aadhaar-linked OTP authentication will also become mandatory for Tatkal bookings.
Agents’ Booking Window to Open Later
The booking window for ticketing agents will now open 30 minutes after general users:
For AC classes: After 10:30 AM
For non-AC classes: After 11:30 AM
The Railway Ministry has instructed CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems) and IRCTC to implement the necessary changes in the system and to inform all zonal railways about these updates.
Summary:
Aadhaar verification mandatory from July 1 for Tatkal tickets
OTP authentication mandatory from July 15
Booking only via IRCTC website or app
Agent bookings will begin 30 minutes later
General passengers to benefit, touts to be curbed
