Railways Tightens Tatkal Booking Rules: Aadhaar Mandatory, Agents Banned from Early Access Starting July 1

National News: In a significant move aimed at improving transparency and fairness in the railway ticketing system, Indian Railways has announced new rules for Tatkal ticket bookings that will take effect from July 1, 2025. Under the new guidelines, Aadhaar authentication has been made mandatory for all Tatkal bookings. Additionally, authorized agents will be prohibited from booking tickets during the first 30 minutes of the Tatkal booking window. This step is expected to enhance accessibility for regular passengers and eliminate the long-standing issue of ticket hoarding by agents using automated tools and scripts.

What is Tatkal Booking?

Tatkal is a special booking quota provided by Indian Railways that allows passengers to book last-minute tickets a day before travel, usually at a higher fare. It is especially helpful for those who have to travel due to urgent or unforeseen circumstances. However, due to high demand and limited availability, Tatkal tickets often sell out within seconds of the booking window opening. This has led to widespread misuse by agents and unauthorized software tools.

Key Changes Effective from July 1

• Aadhaar Verification Mandatory: All passengers will be required to authenticate their identity using Aadhaar while booking Tatkal tickets. This applies to bookings made through the IRCTC website, mobile app, and offline counters.

• No Agent Bookings in First 30 Minutes: IRCTC agents and booking centers will not be allowed to access the Tatkal booking system during the first 30 minutes after it opens. For AC classes, booking starts at 10:00 AM, and agents can only book from 10:30 AM onward. For sleeper classes, booking begins at 11:00 AM, and agents will be restricted until 11:30 AM.

• One-Time Password (OTP) System: While booking, users will receive an OTP on their Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Only after successful authentication can they proceed to confirm and pay for the ticket.

Why This Change Was Necessary

The Tatkal system has long been under criticism due to its vulnerability to misuse. Agents often deploy high-speed booking software or bots that can book hundreds of tickets within seconds, leaving regular users with little chance. This not only causes inconvenience but also opens up the possibility for black marketing, where tickets are resold at inflated prices.

By making Aadhaar authentication mandatory, the Railways ensures that each booking is linked to a real individual, making it harder for agents or bots to manipulate the system. Moreover, restricting agent access during the first half-hour gives regular passengers a fair opportunity to secure tickets.

How Will This Impact Passengers?

For genuine passengers, this is a welcome move. It will increase their chances of getting confirmed Tatkal tickets. Make the system more transparent and accountable. Reduce instances of ticket black-marketing and agent monopoly. However, it may pose challenges for passengers who do not have Aadhaar or have not linked it with their IRCTC accounts. Individuals unfamiliar with digital platforms, particularly elderly users or those in rural areas. Railways has advised all passengers to update their IRCTC profiles with Aadhaar and test the verification process ahead of July 1.

Concerns Raised by Public & Experts

While the initiative is largely appreciated, some civil society groups and privacy advocates have expressed concerns about the increased dependency on Aadhaar for basic services like travel. They argue that the system should include alternate identification options for people unwilling or unable to use Aadhaar. Technical issues like failed OTPs, server delays, or mobile connectivity problems may also affect booking experiences, especially in rural or remote areas.

The new Aadhaar-based Tatkal booking system and the restriction on agent access are important steps by Indian Railways to modernize and clean up its ticketing infrastructure. These rules are designed to protect the interests of common passengers, promote transparency, and curb illegal practices. As the rules take effect on July 1, 2025, passengers are encouraged to prepare in advance by linking their Aadhaar with their IRCTC account and ensuring they have access to their Aadhaar-registered mobile number. This move signals a digital leap in Indian Railways’ journey towards safer, fairer, and more efficient services.