CURRENT AFFAIRS
CURRENT AFFAIRS
Description
In a bid to enhance transparency and curb misuse of the Tatkal ticketing system, the Ministry of Railways has announced that Aadhaar-based OTP verification will become compulsory for all Tatkal bookings made through the IRCTC website and mobile application. The updated system is set to go live on July 15, 2025, and aims to make the booking process more secure and accessible for genuine travellers.
The Indian Railways has taken this step to curb fraudulent bookings, reduce the influence of touts, and ensure that Tatkal tickets often reserved for last-minute or emergency travel are made available fairly. The mandatory Aadhaar authentication will not only help restrict unfair bulk reservations but also create a digital trail for better tracking and accountability.
Key Changes Under New Tatkal Booking Rules
Aadhaar-Based OTP Verification
All users booking Tatkal tickets online through the IRCTC portal or mobile app must authenticate their identity using an OTP sent to the mobile number linked with their Aadhaar.
This step is being introduced to verify the authenticity of the person booking the ticket and prevent multiple bookings under fake identities.
Tatkal Bookings at PRS Counters
The same Aadhaar-based OTP verification will also be extended to bookings made at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters.
Users must provide a valid mobile number to receive the OTP during the booking process.
Agent Restrictions
IRCTC-authorised agents will face time-specific restrictions for Tatkal bookings: AC classes: Agents cannot book tickets from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM. Non-AC classes: No bookings allowed by agents from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
These restrictions are designed to give individual users a fair chance at booking high-demand tickets.
Objectives Of New Measures
Curb malpractice: Eliminate the influence of unauthorised agents and prevent fraudulent activities in ticket booking.
Empower genuine passengers: Make Tatkal ticketing more accessible to the general public, especially during urgent travel needs.
Enhance digital security: Integrate Aadhaar to increase the security and credibility of the system.
Improve passenger satisfaction: Streamline the booking experience for a more efficient and trustworthy reservation process.
Implementation Strategy
The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS), in collaboration with IRCTC, will:
Update booking infrastructure to incorporate Aadhaar-OTP functionality.
Notify Zonal Railways and key stakeholders about the procedural changes.
Launch awareness campaigns to inform passengers about the new process prior to rollout.
These changes signal a proactive step by Indian Railways toward digital transformation, aligned with broader government initiatives for transparent and citizen-friendly public services.
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