OTP-Based Tatkal Ticket Rule: Following the changes to the rules for online Tatkal tickets, Indian Railways has also revised the rules for booking Tatkal tickets at reservation counters. The Railways is now implementing OTP-based Tatkal tickets at ticket counters. This significant step is being taken to make the Tatkal ticketing system more transparent. This new system is expected to be implemented in the next few days.
It should be noted that starting November 17, 2025, the Railways began a trial of the OTP system for over-the-counter Tatkal ticket bookings, which has been implemented on 52 trains so far. Now, preparations are underway for its full implementation.
How will this system work?
Now, any passenger booking a Tatkal ticket from the counter will receive an OTP sent to their mobile number provided in the form. The ticket will only be confirmed after entering the correct OTP. A senior Railway Ministry official said, "The Railways is now implementing this on all other trains as well. This will prevent misuse of Tatkal tickets and ensure genuine, needy passengers have easy access to tickets. This step is a major step towards making railway ticketing more transparent, secure, and convenient."
The OTP rule was implemented in several phases.
The Railways first introduced Aadhaar-based verification for online Tatkal tickets in July 2025. This was followed by the implementation of the OTP system for first-day bookings for online general tickets in October 2025. Both systems have been readily adopted by the public, leading to increased transparency in booking.
From October 28, 2025, Aadhaar authentication will be required for booking train tickets on IRCTC between 8 AM and 10 AM. According to IRCTC, this rule will only apply during the time slots when ticket demand is highest. That means, from 8 am to 10 am, the time when there are maximum bookings, only Aadhaar-verified users will be able to book tickets.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from NDTV India. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
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