In a major decision by the Railway Ministry, passengers will now need Aadhaar authentication to book Tatkal train tickets starting July 1, 2025. This move aims to curb black-marketing and ensure fair ticket distribution for genuine travelers. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the new rule via a social media post, emphasizing its benefits for regular users.
Key Changes in Tatkal Booking Rules:
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Aadhaar-Based OTP Verification from July 15
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From July 1, only Aadhaar-verified users can book tickets via IRCTC’s website or app.
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Starting July 15, an Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will be mandatory for Tatkal bookings.
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Restrictions for Ticket Agents
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Railway ticket agents will no longer be able to book Tatkal tickets for AC classes between 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM and Non-AC classes between 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM.
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Faster PNR Confirmation (24 Hours in Advance)
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Currently, train charts are prepared 4 hours before departure, confirming ticket status.
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Soon, IRCTC may introduce a new system where charts are prepared 24 hours in advance, giving passengers early confirmation.
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Tatkal Booking Timings
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AC Class Tatkal Booking: Opens daily at 10:00 AM
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Non-AC/Sleeper Class Tatkal Booking: Starts at 11:00 AM
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Pro Tips for Smooth Tatkal Booking
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Login 3-5 minutes before booking time (not earlier, as sessions may expire).
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Prepare a Master List of passenger details on IRCTC’s website to save time during booking.
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Why This Change?
The new Aadhaar-based system aims to reduce fraudulent bookings and ensure tickets reach genuine passengers. With stricter verification, IRCTC hopes to minimize last-minute hassles and improve transparency in ticket allocation.
Stay updated with these changes to avoid last-minute surprises and book your Tatkal tickets seamlessly!