Starting 15 July 2025, Indian Railways mandates Aadhaar-linked OTP verification for all Tatkal ticket bookings, both online and offline. Passengers must enter an OTP sent to their Aadhaar-linked mobile, while agents are banned from the vital initial 30 minutes of bookings.

These measures aim to combat ticket fraud and ensure last-minute travellers get fairer access, but concerns persist over digital access and Aadhaar exclusion.

Aadhaar OTP: A New Layer of Consumer Protection

Tatkal tickets have long been a lifeline for travellers needing last-minute reservations, but their popularity made the system vulnerable.

Until now, touts, bots, and some agents outpaced regular users by exploiting technical loopholes—booking entire batches of tickets seconds after the portal opened, often reselling them at higher prices. Indian Railways’ move to Aadhaar-based OTP creates a KYC-backed barrier, verifying the passenger’s live identity at the time of booking.

This new form of authentication is mandatory across all channels:

• IRCTC website
• Mobile apps
• Railway counters (PRS)
• Authorised agents

With one-time passwords delivered to Aadhaar-linked phones, only legitimate users with access to their registered numbers can complete bookings. IRCTC and CRIS highlight that this is one of the most ambitious anti-fraud upgrades since the Tatkal system’s inception.

By making users’ digital identities central to bookings, Indian Railways hopes to restore ordinary passengers’ confidence—empowering them to compete fairly for limited Tatkal seats.

Fairer Access, Agent Restrictions and System Upgrades

In a pivotal reform, third-party agents—once seen as intermediaries but often exploited by professional touts—are blocked from booking any Tatkal tickets during the crucial first 30 minutes of both AC (10:00–10:30 am) and non-AC (11:00–11:30 am) Tatkal windows. This head start, exclusively for individuals, is expected to make tickets more accessible and reduce instances of bulk or ‘syndicate’ reservations.

In tandem, passenger-centric upgrades are being implemented:

• Advance reservation charting improves planning and visibility.
• Fare reforms and real-time seat status boost transparency.
• IRCTC’s user interface is being refined to simplify Aadhaar-IRCTC linking and guide less tech-savvy users.

Railways officials report an immediate drop in suspicious booking patterns, affirming that people using their verified Aadhaar credentials now stand a better chance.

Expert Advice: Staying Safe and Prepared

With big changes come new best practices. Rail and cybersecurity experts offer the following for a seamless Tatkal experience:

• Update Your Details: Make sure Aadhaar is linked to your current mobile and your IRCTC profile is Aadhaar-verified.
• Prepare in Advance: If you need to make changes, do so at least 24-48 hours before booking time.
• Charge Your Phone: Ensure your Aadhaar-linked phone is accessible and adequately charged when booking.
• Guard Your Information: Never share OTPs or Aadhaar details with anyone—even IRCTC staff or booking agents.
• Strengthen Security: Regularly change your IRCTC password; where possible, enable two-factor authentication to shield from phishing or unauthorised logins.

While the Aadhaar+OTP process substantially raises the bar for fraudsters and touts, vigilance is key. Analysts also recommend using trusted internet connections or the official IRCTC app, rather than third-party vendors or internet cafés, to prevent identity theft.

Bridging the Digital Divide: Inclusivity Challenges

As with any technology-driven reform, the shift raises tough questions about accessibility:

• Who is left out? Millions of Indians—especially elderly, rural, low-income, or those without a mobile phone and Aadhaar—could find the process more daunting or even impossible.
• Infrastructure hurdles: Rural and remote areas still face signal and smartphone shortages, making OTP receipt and quick entry a challenge for some.
• Disability and Digital Literacy: Visually-challenged or less tech-literate passengers may struggle without adequate support.

Indian Railways has indicated a willingness to address gaps and may roll out helplines, counter-based OTP assistance, and language support for non-Hindi/English speakers in the coming months.

The Logical Indian’s Perspective

Aadhaar OTP authentication for Tatkal bookings is a promising, timely step to cleanse the system of long-running abuse and to empower genuine passengers. Yet, the real test of progress is ensuring no one is excluded. As fraud prevention strengthens, authorities must equally prioritise digital equity and user-friendly support. After all, the railways remain India’s most democratic public service—one that should be secure AND accessible for all, regardless of status or technological means.