New Delhi, June 13, 2025.
In order to prevent the malpractices by agents and ensure that common people receive the benefit of Tatkal ticket scheme, the Ministry of Railways has modified the scheme. From July, only those users who have authenticated their account using Aadhaar will be able to book tatkal tickets.
“With effect from 01.07.2025, tickets under tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users. Subsequently, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication shall also be made compulsory for the tatkal booking from 15.07.2025,” reads the circular issued by the Railway Ministry on June 10.
Along with the online ticket booking system, the new rule will be applied on counter tickets as well. “Tatkal tickets shall be available for booking through computerised PRS (passenger reservation system) counters of Indian Railways/authorised agents only after authentication of a system generated OTP which shall be sent through the system on the mobile number furnished by the user at the time of booking. This shall also be implemented by 15.07.2025,” said the circular further.
According to the new rule, the authorised ticketing agents of the Indian Railways shall not be allowed to book tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of opening of booking for AC as well as non-AC travel classes. It means the agents will not be allowed to book tatkal tickets from 10 am to 10.30 am for air-conditioned classes and from 11 am to 11.30 am for non-air conditioned classes.
