The Indian Railways is all set to bring a major change in how Tatkal tickets are booked — and this time, Aadhaar authentication is becoming mandatory. The move is aimed at curbing ticketing fraud, ensuring transparency, and making the ticket booking system more secure and passenger-friendly.
What’s Changing?
Indian Railways, through its online portal IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation), plans to mandate Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal ticket bookings. This means:
- You cannot book a Tatkal ticket without linking and verifying your Aadhaar card.
- The new rule will be rolled out in phases, and likely implemented nationwide by late 2025.
Why This Move?
- Curb black marketing: Unauthorized agents and touts often book Tatkal tickets in bulk using fake IDs. Aadhaar verification ensures every booking is tied to a real person.
- Prevent multiple bookings: Linking Aadhaar avoids duplication of identities and tickets.
- Enhance passenger security: It helps authorities easily trace a person in case of emergencies or unlawful activity.
What is Tatkal Ticket?
Tatkal is a fast-track ticket booking scheme by Indian Railways, launched to help passengers with urgent travel plans. These tickets:
- Are released one day before the date of the journey.
- Cost more than regular tickets.
- Sell out quickly — within minutes, especially on popular routes.
How to Authenticate Your Aadhaar on IRCTC?
If you’re an IRCTC user, here’s how to link and verify your Aadhaar:
- Login to IRCTC website: Go to www.irctc.co.in.
- Go to ‘My Profile’: Click on ‘Link Your Aadhaar’ under the profile section.
- Enter Aadhaar Number: Input your 12-digit Aadhaar and click on “Send OTP”.
- Verify with OTP: An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
- Submit: Once verified, your Aadhaar will be successfully linked to your IRCTC account.
Note: Ensure your mobile number is already registered with Aadhaar. If not, visit a nearby Aadhaar Seva Kendra to update it.
❓ What If You Don’t Link Aadhaar?
- You will not be able to book Tatkal tickets.
- For other types of bookings (general, senior citizen, etc.), Aadhaar might still remain optional for now.
- However, Indian Railways may expand this requirement to all bookings in the future.
Conclusion
The new “No Aadhaar, No Tatkal” rule is a significant shift towards digitizing and securing India’s railway booking system. While it may seem like a hassle at first, Aadhaar authentication helps ensure that deserving passengers — not bots or agents — get fair access to Tatkal tickets.
So, if you haven’t already, link your Aadhaar with IRCTC today and stay ahead of the upcoming change.
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