New IRCTC Tatkal Booking Rules 2025: Aadhaar Mandatory & Agent Restrictions Explained

Major Overhaul in IRCTC Tatkal Ticketing System Starting July 2025

In a major policy shift aimed at promoting transparency and curbing misuse, Indian Railways has introduced new guidelines for Tatkal ticket bookings. These latest changes, effective from July 2025, are designed to safeguard genuine passengers while tightening identity verification across all booking channels — IRCTC website, app, PRS counters, and through authorised agents.

With the Tatkal system often targeted by bots, agents, and unauthorised intermediaries, the Ministry of Railways has taken proactive measures to ensure that priority access to last-minute train bookings remains accessible to individual travellers.

Aadhaar Authentication Now Compulsory for Online Tatkal Bookings

From July 1, 2025, travellers booking Tatkal tickets via IRCTC’s official website or mobile app will be required to authenticate their user profiles using Aadhaar.

This means only Aadhaar-verified users can access Tatkal ticket bookings online, ensuring a fairer allocation of tickets for genuine passengers. Aadhaar linkage with IRCTC accounts has been optional in the past, but will now become a mandatory prerequisite for Tatkal services.

OTP Verification Introduced for PRS Counters and Authorised Agents

Starting July 15, 2025, OTP-based mobile verification will also extend to Tatkal bookings made at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and through authorised railway agents.

Here’s how the system will work:

• At the time of booking, passengers will provide a valid mobile number.

• An OTP will be sent to the provided number for identity confirmation.

• The booking will only proceed once the OTP is successfully verified.

This uniform identity verification across both online and offline platforms aims to eliminate duplicate, proxy, or manipulated bookings often made through third-party networks.

New Time Restrictions for Agents on Tatkal Opening Window

In another crucial reform, authorised agents of Indian Railways will face a restricted booking window during the initial Tatkal release period:

• For AC Class Tatkal: Agents cannot book tickets between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM.

• For Non-AC Class Tatkal: Agent bookings are blocked from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM.

This regulation is designed to prevent agents from bulk-blocking high-demand Tatkal tickets during the critical first 30 minutes, which historically resulted in limited availability for individual passengers.

IRCTC and CRIS to Implement System-Level Changes

Both IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) and CRIS (Centre for Railway Information Systems) have been directed to update the ticketing software accordingly. Zonal Railways, PRS centres, and authorised booking agents across India are also being briefed to ensure a smooth nationwide rollout.

Ministry Advisory: Link Aadhaar Early to Avoid Disruptions

The Ministry of Railways has advised all IRCTC users and frequent travellers to update their Aadhaar details in their IRCTC profiles immediately. Passengers without Aadhaar verification may face booking denials once the new policy comes into full effect.

The new guidelines reinforce Indian Railways’ commitment to streamlining Tatkal bookings, preventing misuse, improving identity checks, and enhancing the overall passenger experience.

Conclusion: A Pro-Consumer Shift for B2B Travel Professionals

For B2B travel agents, consolidators, and corporate planners, these changes highlight a clear shift towards greater passenger protection and tighter regulatory control over agent operations. It’s crucial for all travel professionals to update client onboarding processes and educate passengers on Aadhaar linkage requirements well in advance.

In the long run, these measures will likely enhance genuine Tatkal access, reduce fraudulent bookings, and streamline high-demand train ticketing, especially during peak seasons and holiday travel.

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