IRCTC Introduces 2 Major Changes: Know What Indian Railways Updates Before Booking Train Tickets

The Indian Railways has introduced a new rule requiring Aadhaar-based OTP authentication for all Tatkal ticket bookings. This change, effective from July 15, 2025, is intended to prevent misuse of Tatkal train tickets and make the booking process easier for passengers. Whether booking online through IRCTC or offline at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and authorised agents, Aadhaar OTP verification is now a necessary step.

Starting July 1, 2025, only users authenticated with Aadhaar can book Tatkal tickets on the IRCTC website and mobile apps. If your profile isn't Aadhaar verified on the IRCTC app, you won't be able to book Tatkal tickets. To authenticate your user profile, log in to the IRCTC website or app, navigate to "My Account," click on "Authenticate User," and complete the process.

Aadhaar Authentication for Tatkal Bookings

From July 15, 2025, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication becomes mandatory for online Tatkal bookings. Passengers must enter an OTP sent to their Aadhaar-linked mobile number during booking. This applies to both online and offline bookings at PRS counters or through authorised agents. The extra verification layer ensures that only genuine passengers book Tatkal tickets.

For offline bookings at PRS counters or via authorised agents, Aadhaar OTP authentication is also required. Passengers need to provide their Aadhaar number and registered mobile number during booking. Once the OTP is successfully verified, the train ticket will be issued.

Changes in Booking Timings and Fares

From July 1, 2025, authorised agents face restrictions on booking train tickets during specific times to prioritise individual passengers. For AC classes: Agents cannot book between 10:00 AM and 10:30 AM. For non-AC classes: Agents cannot book between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.

The Indian Railways increased train fares from July 1, 2025. The hike affects premier services like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Mahamana, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, AC Vistadome coaches, Anubhuti coaches and ordinary non-suburban services beyond 500 km.

Reservation Chart Preparation

The railway board has proposed preparing reservation charts eight hours before departure instead of four hours earlier. For trains leaving before 1400 hours, the chart will be ready by 2100 hrs the previous day. This change allows passengers more time to arrange alternative travel if needed.

Tatkal tickets can be booked one day before a train's departure date (excluding journey date). For AC classes like 1A, 2A, 3A; bookings open at 10:00 AM the day before travel. Non-AC classes such as Sleeper and Second Sitting open at 11:00 AM on the same day.