New Ticket Booking Rule: Bookings for train travel have changed once again. Aadhaar authentication is now required for all types of bookings, including instant and general tickets. The new rules took effect on October 28.
The Passengers who want to book train tickets online, they will be required to verify their Aadhaar number. Indian Railways has indicated that this would also be the case for bookings made on the IRCTC website and mobile app.
Aadhaar will only be effective for bookings made between the hours of 8 AM and 10 AM. The intention of an Aadhaar verification process is to give all passengers an equitable opportunity to secure tickets during peak hours, and in an effort to curb fraud.
Railways says 8 AM to 10 AM is the busiest time for online ticket booking. Popular trains sell out fast during these hours.
To stop fraud from software, multiple logins, or agents booking many tickets, Railways made a new rule. IRCTC allows only Aadhaar-verified users to book tickets during these two hours.
Passengers who doesn’t have any Aadhaar card, they can book long-distance tickets before 8 AM or after 10 AM. This rule works only for online booking on the IRCTC website or app. Ticket counters have no time limits.
Aadhaar verification became mandatory for Tatkal tickets from July 1. IRCTC started OTP-based Aadhaar verification from July 15. This rule stops bulk booking and ticket reselling.
How to verify Aadhaar:
- Go to www.irctc.co.in and sign in.
- Click My Profile → Authenticate User.
- Enter your Aadhaar number.
- Click Verify Details and Receive OTP.
- Enter the OTP sent to your phone and submit.