• Source:JND
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Tatkal Ticket Booking: Indian Railways has introduced a new rule that makes Aadhaar verification compulsory for booking Tatkal tickets online. The new system, which came into effect on July 15, is aimed at making the ticket booking process smoother and more transparent for regular passengers.

From now on, passengers booking Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC website or mobile app will be required to complete Aadhaar-based OTP verification. Railway officials stated that the move is expected to curb illegal ticket bookings by brokers and fake agents, who often block seats within seconds of booking windows opening.

Passengers no longer need to rely on middlemen or stand in long queues to book urgent tickets. The Railway Ministry believes this step will help ensure that genuine passengers get a fair chance to secure tickets during high-demand periods.

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How The New Booking Process Works

To book a Tatkal ticket online, passengers must first link their Aadhaar number with their IRCTC account. Once linked, an OTP will be sent to the mobile number associated with their Aadhaar. After entering the OTP, the ticket booking can proceed.

This verification step will also apply at railway counters. Passengers booking Tatkal tickets at stations will have to provide their Aadhaar number, which will then be verified through an OTP before the ticket is issued.

Steps To Link Aadhaar With IRCTC Account

- Log in to the IRCTC website or app.

- Visit the ‘My Profile’ or ‘My Account’ section.

- Select the option to link Aadhaar.

- Enter the 12-digit Aadhaar number.

- Submit the number to receive an OTP on the Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

- Enter the OTP to complete verification.

- Once successful, the KYC process will be complete.

- Users can also check their KYC status in the profile section of their IRCTC account.

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Why The Change Was Needed

In recent years, the Tatkal ticketing system has been exploited by brokers who use software or other unfair means to block seats quickly, leaving genuine travellers without options. The new Aadhaar-based system aims to stop such practices and increase transparency.

Additionally, agents will not be allowed to book Tatkal tickets—both AC and non-AC—for 30 minutes after bookings open, giving regular passengers priority access. This rule is now applicable across India.