OTP Verification Made Mandatory For Tatkal Bookings Across Key Trains From December 5
OTP Verification Made Mandatory For Tatkal Bookings Across Key Trains From December 5
Railways expands Aadhaar-linked OTP system to curb agent misuse and ensure genuine passengers get fair access to last-minute tickets.
Tatkal ticket bookings are set to undergo a major change, with the Indian Railways making OTP authentication compulsory for select high-demand trains starting December 5. The move aims to stop misuse of the last-minute Tatkal quota and ensure that only genuine passengers can secure these tickets, which are often booked within minutes of the window opening.
Initially launched as a pilot on November 17 for a handful of trains, the OTP-based booking system quickly expanded to 52 routes. It will now be implemented across Central Railway’s key long-distance services — including Duronto Express, Vande Bharat Express and Rajdhani Express — before gradually being rolled out to all remaining trains.
Under this system, Tatkal tickets booked through railway reservation counters, authorised agents, PRS centres, the IRCTC website or mobile app will only be issued after verifying a one-time password sent to the mobile number provided at the time of booking. The OTP must be entered within a limited time window to complete the transaction. Without this step, no Tatkal ticket will be generated.
According to the Railways, this additional authentication helps prevent fraudulent block bookings and improves ticket availability for individual travellers. Officials said the system also strengthens transparency, ensures a clear identity trail and reduces complications related to cancellations, refunds and passenger verification.
Railway plans to implement OTP based window tickets in tatkal within the next few days. pic.twitter.com/25wRn2wtwt
— South Central Railway (@SCRailwayIndia) December 3, 2025
The change follows a series of reforms introduced over the past few months to tighten access to high-demand reservation categories. In July, Aadhaar OTP verification was made mandatory for online Tatkal bookings. From October 1, only Aadhaar-authenticated users were allowed to book reserved general tickets during the first 15 minutes of opening, limiting agent-driven bulk reservations.
Passengers booking through IRCTC must ensure their Aadhaar is linked to their IRCTC profile before attempting Tatkal reservations. The process requires logging into the IRCTC website or RailOne app, opening the profile section, selecting “Link Aadhaar,” entering Aadhaar details and validating via the OTP sent to the registered mobile number.
For counter bookings, the same OTP-based process applies. The mobile number provided must be active and capable of receiving the code instantly, especially as Tatkal windows run on tight timings — 10 am for AC classes and 11 am for non-AC.
Railway officials have said the system will be expanded further in the coming days, making OTP verification a standard requirement for all Tatkal bookings nationwide as part of a broader push toward secure and transparent ticketing.
