In what could be called the biggest shake-up in Indian railway ticketing since the invention of the Tatkal scheme, the Ministry of Railways has now decided to make Aadhaar authentication mandatory for all Tatkal ticket bookings starting July 1, 2025.
So if you’re planning to book that last-minute getaway or an emergency return trip, you better have your Aadhaar number ready—or be prepared to travel by imagination.
This decision, reportedly taken to curb rampant manipulation and bulk bookings through bots and touts, will now apply not only to IRCTC’s online platform but also at physical counters across India. That’s right—even your neighborhood booking clerk will now be asking for an Aadhaar-linked OTP.
While some see this as a move towards better transparency and accountability, others are already sharpening their Twitter pitchforks, citing privacy concerns and digital exclusion. But Railways officials remain firm: no Aadhaar, no Tatkal ticket. Period.
The rule mandates not just Aadhaar submission, but also OTP-based real-time verification during the booking process. This means even that cousin who claimed to be “too tech-challenged” will now have to receive and enter an OTP from UIDAI, just like the rest of us.
The new regulation aims to dismantle the thriving black market that exploits the Tatkal system, where agents often block multiple tickets using fake IDs and resell them at premium rates. With this Aadhaar wall in place, the Railway Board believes these shady networks will finally hit a dead end.
And in case you’re wondering—yes, your Tatkal dreams at the booking counter will be subject to the same rule. Gone are the days of standing in line at dawn, hoping to snag that one seat to Lucknow without digital validation. The Aadhaar Age is truly upon us.
Why It Matters
India’s Tatkal system, launched in 1997, was meant to help passengers in urgent need. But over time, it became a playground for middlemen, hackers, and booking mafias. By tethering every Tatkal ticket to a verified Aadhaar ID, the Railways is hoping to bring back some long-lost fairness—and probably fewer viral videos of disgruntled travelers at stations.
The good news? If you’re a law-abiding passenger with a working mobile number and Aadhaar, this change means faster, more secure bookings—and fewer frustrations. For the rest? Well, July 1 is coming fast.