• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Tatkal Ticket OTP System: Indian Railways has announced a major change to the booking process for Counter Tatkal Tickets (tickets purchased at reservation counters). Following earlier rules updates for online Tatkal tickets, the Railways has introduced an OTP-based authentication system for tickets issued at these counters, aiming to make the entire process more transparent and secure for passengers.

Starting November 17, 2025, Indian Railways launched a pilot trial of the OTP system for Tatkal tickets booked at reservation counters. In the pilot phase, the system was implemented on 52 trains, with preparations underway for full implementation.

ALSO READ: Sanchar Saathi App Row: Govt Rolls Back Directive Mandating Pre-Installation Of App On Mobile Phones

IRCTC Makes OTP Mandatory For Counter Tatkal Bookings

Under the new system, a passenger booking a Tatkal Ticket at the counter must provide a mobile number on their form, which will receive an OTP. The ticket will be booked only after the counter staff verifies the correct OTP.

Speaking to NDTV, a senior official from the Railway Ministry stated that the Railways is now implementing this system on all other trains. “This will prevent misuse of Tatkal tickets and ensure that genuinely needy passengers can easily obtain them. This step is a major step towards making railway ticketing more transparent, secure, and convenient,” the official said.

ALSO READ: Rewari-Meerut Shuttle Train Delayed By Over 3 Hours, Commuters Demand EMU Service

How To Book Tatkal Tickets Online?

- Tatkal tickets can be booked online through the official IRCTC website/app or via trusted, authorised third-party travel applications. Here’s how you can book Tatkal tickets online via the IRCTC app:

- Log in to your IRCTC account before the designated Tatkal booking commencement time (10:00 AM for AC classes, 11:00 AM for Non-AC classes).

- Enter the source and destination stations, along with your planned date of journey.

- In the search form, select the 'Tatkal' quota option. Search for available trains and choose your preferred train.

- Fill in the passenger information (name, age, gender). Users are advised to utilise the "master list" feature beforehand to save time during the booking process.

- Quickly complete the transaction using reliable payment methods such as net banking, credit/debit cards, or payment wallets.

Also In News