IRCTC New Rules: Indian Railways has implemented a new system from October 1, 2025, making Aadhaar authentication mandatory for booking train tickets between 8 and 10 am. This feature will be available on the IRCTC website and mobile app, but will not affect those purchasing tickets from computerized PRS counters.
A major initiative to curb fraud
The Railways stated that demand for tickets is highest in the morning, and during this time, many agents or fake accounts book a large number of tickets simultaneously. This prevents ordinary passengers from getting confirmed tickets. Under the new rule, the Railways has attempted to curb this malpractice by allowing bookings only to Aadhaar-verified users.
What to do if Aadhaar is not linked?
If a passenger’s account is not yet linked to Aadhaar, they can book tickets after 10 am. To link Aadhaar, users must log in to their IRCTC account, go to the “My Profile” section, and click on “Authenticate User.” Here, they must enter their Aadhaar number and complete the verification process using the OTP received on their mobile phone. Once the process is complete, the account is Aadhaar-verified, and the user can book tickets at any time.
Meanings for Passengers
This change will make the ticket booking system more transparent. The Railways believes that this will significantly reduce ticket blacklisting, fake accounts, and bot bookings. It will also increase the likelihood of genuine passengers receiving confirmed tickets. Experts say this step is a significant improvement in the Railways’ digital transparency.
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Changes in the Booking System
The Railway Ministry states that this change is in the interest of passengers and will enhance the reliability of the ticket booking system. Aadhaar authentication will help the Railways ensure that every ticket is booked in the name of a genuine person. This will prevent fraud and make the passenger experience even safer.