Tatkal Ticket New Rules: Indian Railways has revamped its technology and regulations to ensure the Tatkal ticket booking process is more transparent and fair. For years, travelers have voiced their frustrations about tickets selling out within seconds of the booking window opening. The Railways asserts that this new system will greatly enhance the likelihood of genuine passengers securing confirmed tickets.

With the new rules in place, Tatkal tickets can now only be booked through a fully verified IRCTC account. Passengers must link their IRCTC account to their Aadhaar card. Accounts that are not verified or have incomplete profiles will be blocked during the Tatkal booking window. When booking, passengers will need to provide the same identification details associated with their Aadhaar or government ID. This measure aims to eliminate the practice of booking tickets under false names and reselling them at inflated prices.

Additionally, the Railways has introduced significant technological upgrades. Advanced technical filters have been put in place to block auto-fill tools and scripts during the crucial first minutes of booking. This change will make it difficult to access tickets using software. One of the major complaints from passengers was payment failures. The new system has improved the payment gateway, making it faster and more secure, which reduces the chances of ticket cancellations at the last moment.

Agents’ activities will be closely monitored during the initial phase of the emergency window opening. New restrictions and tracking tools have been established for them to prioritize the needs of the general public.

What changed for passengers?

The Railways has made it clear that if your profile is already updated and linked to Aadhaar, your chances of getting a confirmed ticket are much better than in previous years. Passengers are encouraged to check their internet connection and profile status before attempting to book. These new 2026 rules are an attempt to restore transparency in railway booking and restore public trust in the system. Through technological improvements and mandatory identity verification, the railways have directly attacked touts and the illegal use of software.