IRCTC Train Ticket New Rules: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced a significant change in train ticket booking timings for Aadhaar-authenticated users to enhance passenger convenience and prevent ticket touting. Starting January 12, 2026, Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC users will be able to book tickets until midnight on the opening day of the Advance Reservation Period.
“w.e.f 12 January 2026, only Aadhaar-authenticated users shall be allowed to book general reserved tickets on the opening day of Advance Reservation Period (ARP)," IRCTC said in a statement.
IRCTC Extends Booking Hours For Aadhaar-Authenticated Users
- Starting January 12, 2026, Aadhaar-authenticated users will be able to book general reserved tickets till midnight on the opening day of the Advance Reservation Period (ARP).
- According to a statement from IRCTC, while the Aadhaar-authenticated users were previously allowed to book tickets between 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM, they are now permitted to book at any time throughout the opening day.
- According to the Ministry of Railways, this latest extension to the train ticket booking window aims to provide the benefits of the reservation system to genuine passengers and prevent misuse by touts or other unscrupulous elements.
“Aadhaar verification of users is an important step which has been taken to make the system more robust. Cutting-edge technology is also being used to identify and prevent unscrupulous users trying to misuse the e-ticketing system," the Ministry of Railways said in a statement.
Train Ticket Booking At PRS Counters
- The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has clarified that the ticket booking process at computerised PRS counters remains completely unchanged.