June 12 – In a sweeping policy change that could transform how millions of Indians book train tickets under the last-minute Tatkal quota, the Ministry of Railways has announced that beginning July 1, 2025, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for all Tatkal bookings. The decision is aimed at enhancing transparency, limiting misuse, and restoring fairness to a system long plagued by complaints of agent-driven manipulation.
According to an internal circular by the Railway Board, the move will be implemented in phases, with Aadhaar verification via One-Time Password (OTP) becoming compulsory for all users, including those booking at physical counters and through authorized agents, by July 15, 2025.
Booking Window Locked for Agents
To further limit exploitative practices, the Railways will now restrict agent access during the critical first 30 minutes of Tatkal booking windows. This means:
- For AC classes, Tatkal booking will be available only to Aadhaar-authenticated individuals from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
- For non-AC classes, the same applies between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.
Only after this period will authorized agents be permitted to access the booking system. This shift marks a significant departure from earlier norms where agents frequently secured blocks of tickets using automated systems, leaving ordinary passengers at a disadvantage.
Why the Change?
The Tatkal system, introduced in 1997 as a lifeline for last-minute travelers, has over the years become mired in controversy. The ease with which agents and scalpers bypassed IRCTC’s booking controls led to calls for systemic reform. By making Aadhaar authentication a prerequisite and restricting agent access during peak demand windows, the Railways aims to restore public trust in a service meant to serve those in urgent need.
“This is not just a technical change, it’s a moral reset,” said a senior official with the Railway Board, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We are placing genuine users at the center of the system.”
The Next Steps for Passengers
To avoid last-minute disruption, IRCTC users are advised to:
- Link their Aadhaar number to their existing IRCTC profile.
- Ensure their Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active for receiving OTPs during booking.
- Avoid using unauthorized agents for bookings, especially during the protected booking windows.
The Indian Railways handles millions of ticket bookings daily, and Tatkal represents one of the most in-demand quotas. By introducing a biometric authentication layer and time-based booking controls, the authorities hope to tackle long-standing loopholes.
This move comes amid a broader digital transformation agenda within the Railways, which has already seen the integration of AI-based fraud detection, facial recognition systems at select stations, and push notifications for train delays.
Public Reaction and Digital Divide
While many passengers have welcomed the reform, digital rights advocates have raised concerns about accessibility for those without Aadhaar or with limited access to smartphones and OTP-enabled devices.
“Linking every public service to Aadhaar creates barriers for vulnerable populations,” said a legal researcher specializing in digital inclusion. “There needs to be a robust grievance redressal system and alternatives for those excluded from the digital ecosystem.”
Still, Railway officials maintain that the Aadhaar-based system is secure and equitable, citing its successful use in schemes like direct benefit transfers and vaccination tracking.
As India continues its journey toward tech-enabled governance, the Aadhaar-linked Tatkal system may serve as a test case for balancing efficiency with inclusion—while giving frustrated passengers a better shot at a timely seat on their journey.