Aadhaar authenticated Tatkal train tickets from July 1 onwards: Railway Board

In a major crackdown on illegal booking and hoarding of train tickets, the Indian Railways has decided only Aadhaar authenticated users can book Tatkal tickets on IRCTC Website and App from July 1 onwards. For AC classes, this restriction applies from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, and for non-AC classes, from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

It has also been decided that no agent bookings will be allowed in the first 30 minutes for AC & Non-AC Classes. This will prevent bulk bookings during the critical Tatkal opening period.

“These changes are aimed at enhancing user authentication and reducing misuse of the Tatkal scheme,” an official statement said.


Further, Aadhaar-based One Time Password (OTP) authentication will become mandatory for Tatkal bookings made online starting July 15 this year.

In addition to this, Tatkal tickets booked at computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters, and through authorised agents will require OTP authentication sent to the mobile number provided by the user at the time of booking.

This provision too with come into effect from July 15.