Starting next month, Indian Railways is introducing a significant change in the Tatkal ticket booking process. From July 1, 2025, passengers must link their Aadhaar card to their IRCTC account to book Tatkal tickets through the official website or mobile app. Without this linkage, booking Tatkal tickets online will no longer be possible.
Aadhaar Authentication and OTP Verification to Ensure Genuine Bookings
The Railways has made Aadhaar-based authentication compulsory, along with OTP verification linked to the Aadhaar number. From July 15, every Tatkal booking will require users to enter an OTP sent to their Aadhaar-registered mobile number. This step aims to confirm the identity of the passenger making the booking, ensuring the process is secure and transparent.
Linking your Aadhaar with your IRCTC account is a straightforward process and can be completed easily from home in a few simple steps.
Why This Change Matters for Passengers
According to the Ministry of Railways, these new regulations are designed to bring transparency to the Tatkal ticketing system and tackle the widespread issue of black marketing by fraudulent agents. Often, fake bookings by agents using false identities blocked genuine passengers from accessing Tatkal tickets during emergencies.
By making Aadhaar linking and OTP verification mandatory, the Railways hopes to prevent such malpractices, ensuring Tatkal tickets reach those who truly need them at the right time.
How to Link Your Aadhaar to Your IRCTC Account
If you haven’t linked your Aadhaar yet, here’s how you can do it quickly:
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Visit the official IRCTC website: www.irctc.co.in.
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Log in with your username and password.
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Go to the ‘My Profile’ section, usually located at the top or on the left side of the page.
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Click on ‘Aadhaar KYC’ within your profile.
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Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and click ‘Send OTP’.
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Enter the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number to complete the verification.
Once verified, your Aadhaar will be linked to your IRCTC account, allowing you to book Tatkal tickets seamlessly.
Bringing Fairness and Security to Tatkal Bookings
Tatkal tickets are a lifeline for many passengers needing last-minute travel, but until now, the system has been vulnerable to misuse. The mandatory Aadhaar linkage and OTP verification will reduce fraudulent bookings and black marketing, helping genuine travelers secure tickets during urgent situations.
With these changes, the Indian Railways aims to create a more reliable, transparent, and passenger-friendly Tatkal booking experience.
Remember to link your Aadhaar with your IRCTC account soon to avoid any disruptions in your Tatkal ticket bookings starting July 1, 2025.