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Indian Railway Tatkal Ticket Booking Update: The Indian Railways has introduced a major change to the Tatkal ticket booking system. From now on, passengers booking Tatkal tickets at railway reservation counters will be required to verify their mobile number through an OTP (One-Time Password). Without this OTP, the ticket will not be issued.

According to officials, this new system aims to prevent fraud and curb the widespread involvement of touts (ticket agents) who exploit the Tatkal system by booking large numbers of tickets and selling them later at inflated prices. With OTP verification becoming compulsory, no ticket can be generated without the passenger’s valid mobile number.

Started as a Trial, Soon to Be Implemented Nationwide

The Railway Ministry initially conducted a trial run of this OTP-based Tatkal booking system on a limited number of trains. After receiving positive results, the ministry has decided to roll out the process across all stations and trains in the coming days.

Earlier in July, the Railways made Aadhaar-based verification mandatory for online Tatkal ticket booking. Now, similar security has been introduced at physical ticket counters as well. Railways officials confirm that the nationwide rollout is expected soon.

How the New Tatkal Booking Process Will Work

Passengers booking a Tatkal ticket at a reservation counter will now follow these steps:

1. Fill out the reservation form and mention a valid mobile number

2. Submit the form at the counter

3. An OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number

4. The booking clerk will enter the OTP into the system

5. Only after OTP validation will the ticket be printed and issued

If the OTP is not provided or entered incorrectly, the system will automatically cancel the booking attempt, and no Tatkal ticket will be issued.

This process ensures that every Tatkal ticket is directly linked to an authentic passenger rather than agents using fake numbers.

Why This Change Was Necessary

The Tatkal booking system was designed to support emergency and last-minute travelers. However, for years touts have been misusing the facility by blocking multiple seats and selling them later at high prices, leaving genuine passengers without tickets.

With OTP-based verification:

• Tickets cannot be booked using random or fake numbers

• Touts will find it difficult to bulk-book tickets

• More seats will become available to real passengers

• Transparency and accountability within the system will improve

Indian Railways expects that this reform will significantly reduce black-marketing of Tatkal tickets and speed up service for authentic travelers.

Passenger Reaction and Expectations

Passengers have largely welcomed the decision, considering it a necessary step toward fair and secure ticketing. Many believe that the new structure will simplify the process and reduce the stress associated with Tatkal booking, especially during peak travel seasons and festivals.

The Railways has assured that the OTP verification process will be quick and easy, and that staff have already been trained to manage the updated system smoothly.

Conclusion

The OTP-based Tatkal ticket booking system marks a major advancement in Indian Railways’ efforts to modernize and secure its services. By ensuring that only genuine passengers can book tickets, the government hopes to eliminate touts and provide better access to last-minute travel options.

Passengers planning to travel should ensure that their mobile phones are active and accessible while booking at railway counters, as the new rules will apply across India soon.