The Railways has updated several important rules regarding ticket booking, including Tatkal quotas, reservation charts, waiting limits, and changes to confirmed ticket dates. These changes directly impact the travel of millions of daily commuters. If you’re unaware of these changes, getting a confirmed ticket can be difficult. Therefore, understanding these new, stringent rules at the end of the year will make your future travel plans much easier.
Aadhaar-OTP Mandatory in Tatkal Ticketing System
From this year, Tatkal ticket booking on IRCTC has become completely Aadhaar-based. From July 1, 2025, online Tatkal tickets will only be available after Aadhaar verification. This aims to prevent fraudulent ticket bookings and ensure tickets are available to genuine passengers.
Not only this, the Railways is now implementing the OTP system for over-the-counter Tatkal tickets as well. This means that upon purchasing a ticket at the counter, an OTP will be sent to your mobile phone, and the ticket will be processed only after verification. This step has been taken to curb fraudulent bookings.
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Strictness on Agents and Waiting List Limits
The Railways have taken a tough stance against unauthorized agents. Now, no agent will be able to book tickets until 30 minutes before the Tatkal window opens. This restriction will apply from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM in AC classes and from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM in non-AC classes. This will give common passengers a better chance of getting tickets in the early slots.
In addition, the waiting list limit has also been changed this year. Waiting is now allowed for up to 60 percent of seats in AC classes and up to 30 percent in non-AC classes. This rule provides relief to women and disabled passengers.
Reservation Charts and Emergency Quota Rules
Reservation charts will now be prepared 8 hours before train departures, instead of the previous 4 hours. For trains departing before 2 PM, the charts will be prepared at 9 PM the previous night. This will allow passengers to know in advance whether their tickets are confirmed or not.
Additionally, Emergency Quota (EQ) rules have become more stringent. If a train departs between 12:00 AM and 2:00 AM, the EQ application must be submitted by 12:00 AM the previous night. For trains departing after 2:00 AM, the request must be submitted by 4:00 PM the previous day. If the train departs on a holiday, the EQ application must be submitted on the previous working day.
Simplified Rules for Changing the Date of a Confirmed Ticket
From January 1, 2025, changing the date of a confirmed ticket will be easier than ever. There will be no cancellation fee for changing the date. If seats are available, the ticket can be booked directly on the new date. Previously, a 25% cancellation fee was applicable. If the fare has increased, you will only have to pay the difference from the previous fare. Even for regular tickets, from October 1, 2025, only Aadhaar-authenticated users will be able to make bookings within the first 15 minutes on IRCTC.
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