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In a major move to curb ticket booking fraud and ensure greater transparency, the Indian Railways has introduced a new rule for Tatkal (emergency) ticket bookings. From now on, e-Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for anyone looking to book Tatkal tickets online. This significant change was announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw through a post on X (formerly Twitter).

This new rule is set to make the booking process more secure and user-specific, preventing misuse by ticketing agents and touts who often block tickets in bulk using automated systems.

Why the Change Was Necessary

Every day, countless passengers face frustration when trying to book Tatkal tickets, only to find them sold out within minutes of the window opening. The primary reason behind this issue has been the unchecked use of bots and illegal agents, who exploit system loopholes to reserve large numbers of tickets.

To combat this, the Indian Railways has decided to implement a system of digital identity verification using Aadhaar, India’s unique biometric identification system. According to officials, this step will drastically reduce unauthorized bookings and ensure fair access for genuine users.

How Will the New Tatkal Booking Process Work?

Under the revised system, users will need to verify their identity through e-Aadhaar authentication while booking a Tatkal ticket. Here’s how it will work:

• While attempting to book a Tatkal ticket on the IRCTC website, users will be prompted to authenticate using their Aadhaar number.

• An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar.

• This OTP must be entered to complete the booking. Without successful verification, the ticket booking will not proceed.

Furthermore, to give regular users a fair opportunity, the system will initially block IRCTC agents from making Tatkal bookings. For the first 10 minutes, only individual users whose IRCTC accounts are linked with Aadhaar will be able to book tickets. This step aims to put everyday travelers ahead of touts and agents.

How to Link Your Aadhaar with Your IRCTC Account

To make use of the new system, users must first ensure their IRCTC account is linked with their Aadhaar number. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Visit the official IRCTC website:

Log in using your username and password.

Go to the ‘My Account’ section.

Click on ‘Link Your Aadhaar’.

Enter your Aadhaar number and name exactly as they appear on your Aadhaar card.

You will receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.

Enter the OTP and click ‘Update’ to complete the process.

Once verified, a confirmation message will appear on the screen, and your Aadhaar will be successfully linked to your IRCTC account.

Important Reminder: Keep Your Mobile Number Updated

For seamless authentication, ensure that your mobile number is correctly linked to your Aadhaar card. Without this, you won’t receive the necessary OTP during the booking process. The good news is that you can update your mobile number with Aadhaar for free until June 14, 2025. Simply visit your nearest Aadhaar Seva Kendra to make the update.

Final Thoughts

This new Aadhaar-based verification system is a welcome change for thousands of daily passengers who struggle with booking Tatkal tickets due to illegal practices. By prioritizing genuine users and making the process more secure, Indian Railways is aiming to create a fairer and more transparent ticketing ecosystem.

Passengers are encouraged to link their Aadhaar with IRCTC and update their mobile details at the earliest to avoid last-minute hurdles.

Stay tuned for more updates on Indian Railways and travel regulations.

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