In a significant move aimed at streamlining the Tatkal ticket booking process, the Ministry of Railways has announced that only Aadhaar-authenticated users will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets starting July 1, 2025. According to a circular issued on June 10, 2025, the decision has been taken to ensure that the benefits of the Tatkal scheme reach genuine end users. Further tightening the authentication process, Aadhaar-based OTP verification will become mandatory for all Tatkal bookings from July 15, 2025.
“With effect from 01-07-2025, tickets under Tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/ its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users,” the Ministry said.
“Tatkal tickets shall be available for booking through computerized PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters of Indian Railways/authorized agents only after authentication of a system-generated OTP, which shall be sent through the system on the mobile number furnished by the users at the time of booking. This shall also be implemented by 15/07/2025,” the circular further stated.
The circular also introduced new restrictions on authorized ticketing agents. To curb misuse and provide fair access to individual passengers, agents will not be allowed to book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window. Specifically, they will be barred from booking air-conditioned class tickets between 10:00 am and 10:30 am, and non-air-conditioned class tickets between 11:00 am and 11:30 am.
The Ministry has directed the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC to implement the necessary changes in the booking system and to ensure that all zonal railways are informed. To ensure public awareness, the ministry also stated that wide publicity will be given to these modifications through all available communication channels.
