Indian Railways introduces new Tatkal booking rules effective from July 1 , 2025

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Chaitanyesh
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  • Only Aadhaar-verified users can book Tatkal tickets on IRCTC from July 1
  • OTP check is mandatory from July 15 for non-Aadhaar users at PRS counters or agents
  • Agents barred from booking Tatkal tickets in the first 30 minutes (10:00-10:30 AM for AC, 11:00-11:30 AM for non-AC)

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has revealed fresh changes to the Tatkal ticket booking process, set to take effect from July 1, 2025, to improve security and fairness. The Indian Railways has rolled out these new measures to create a more transparent and efficient system for travelers.

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Only those with Aadhar-linked profiles will be permitted to reserve Tatkal tickets vias the IRCTC website or mobile app from July 1. From July 15, 2025, an OTP-based Aadhaar verification will be mandatory for these users, aiming to prevent unauthorized bookings and ensure authenticity. For those without Aadhaar, bookings can be made at PRS counters or through authorized agents (YTSK). Starting July 15, 2025, these users will receive an OTP on their registered mobile numbers for verification, offering a secure alternative while keeping the process inclusive.

A key restriction targets travel agents. Accredited agents are prohibited from securing Tatkal tickets during the first 30-minute period following the booking start time. This restricted timeframe runs from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM for AC categories and from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM for non-AC categories.The rule is designed to give individual passengers priority access, reducing the dominance of bulk bookings by agents.

These updates, effective from July 1, 2025, with OTP verification kicking in from July 15, 2025, showcase Indian Railways’ focus on modernizing its services. Passengers are encouraged to link their Aadhaar or register mobile numbers for OTPs to ensure smooth bookings. The ministry anticipates that these changes will minimize fraud and enhance convenience for the millions using the rail network daily.

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