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Indian Railways is continuously making changes to make the ticketing system more secure and transparent. Now, the Railways is taking a major step in Tatkal ticket booking, which will not only introduce a new process for passengers but also curb ticket black marketing. In the coming days, over-the-counter Tatkal tickets will only be issued after OTP verification. This means that getting a ticket without an OTP will become virtually impossible.

Why is the OTP-based Tatkal system being implemented?
The biggest problem with Tatkal tickets has always been their misuse. Complaints of fake numbers, collusion with agents, and fraudulent bookings have surfaced. The Railways believes that the OTP-based system will significantly curb such misuse, ensuring that only genuine passengers will receive tickets. This will increase both transparency and trust in ticket booking.

Changes have already been made in online ticketing.
The Railways have previously experimented with this model in online ticketing. Aadhaar-based authentication was introduced for online Tatkal tickets in July 2025. Subsequently, online OTP verification was made mandatory for all general reservations in October 2025. Both changes were easily adopted by passengers, and the Railways have achieved greater transparency in the ticketing process.

OTP will now apply to counter tickets as well.
From November 17, 2025, the Railways launched a pilot project for OTP-based Tatkal ticket booking at the counter. It began with a few trains and has gradually expanded to 52 trains. Under this system, when a passenger books a Tatkal ticket at the counter, an OTP is sent to the mobile number provided in the booking form. The ticket is confirmed only after this OTP is provided at the counter. If the OTP is incorrect or the mobile number is incorrect, the ticket will not be issued.

Soon to be implemented on all trains.
The Railways plans to implement this system on all trains across the country in the next few days. Its purpose is not merely to introduce technological changes, but also to make ticket distribution more equitable and transparent. This will strictly prevent errors or discrepancies in ticket sales, and passengers will be assured that their tickets have been booked correctly.

What benefits will passengers expect?
The introduction of this system will reduce ticket touting and misbooking, increase security and transparency in counter booking, and eliminate the practice of fake IDs and incorrect mobile numbers. This move by the Railways is considered a major step towards modernizing and securing the ticketing system, while also boosting passenger confidence.

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