• Source:JND
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Aadhar Identification For General Tickets: Starting October 1, 2025, the Indian Railways has made Aadhaar authentication mandatory for users booking general reservation tickets online through the IRCTC website or app during the first 15 minutes of ticket availability. This move aims to prevent misuse by unauthorised agents and ensure that genuine passengers can book tickets easily.

Railway Makes Aadhar Identification Necessary: Key Details

Aadhaar Authentication: Mandatory for online general reservation ticket booking during the first 15 minutes.

- No Change in PRS Counters: Booking timings and rules at computerised PRS counters remain unchanged.

- Authorised Ticket Agents: No change in the existing 10-minute restriction for authorised ticket agents.

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How Aadhar Identification Will Work

For example, if a passenger wants to book a ticket for the Shiv Ganga Express from New Delhi to Varanasi on November 15, the booking window will open on September 16 at 12:20 AM. During the first 15 minutes, only users with Aadhaar authentication will be able to book tickets online.

Aadhar Identification: Impact On Passengers

During peak seasons like festivals (Diwali, Chhath Puja, and Holi) and the wedding season, train ticket demand surges significantly, especially when the booking window opens 60 days prior to the travel date.

This leads to intense competition among passengers trying to book tickets. The new Aadhaar-based rule aims to make the booking process more transparent and reduce fraudulent bookings during these busy periods.

What Passengers Need To Do

To avoid inconvenience, passengers are advised to link their Aadhaar numbers to their IRCTC accounts before October 1, 2025. The general reservation booking window is open from 12:20 AM to 11:45 PM daily, and the new rule will specifically apply to the first 15 minutes of the booking window when ticket demand is highest.

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Benefits Of Aadhaar Authentication

-Prevents Ticket Black-Marketing: Ensures tickets are booked by genuine passengers, reducing unauthorised agent activity.

- Increased Transparency: Makes the ticket booking process more secure and transparent.

- Fair Access: Allows genuine passengers to book tickets without interference from agents