According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, the sole option to purchase Tatkal tickets is now through the IRCTC website or mobile app.
Aadhaar-Linked IRCTC Accounts: Game-Changer for Tatkal Booking?
11 Rajya Sabha members, including Maya Naroliya, Mithilesh Kumar, Dr. Dinesh Sharma, Mayank Kumar Nayak, Brij Lal, Kiran Choudhry, Dr. Sumer Singh Solanki, Narayana Koragappa, Ramilaben Becharbhai Bara, Baburam Nishad, and Rameswar Teli, asked Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw questions about how the train ticket booking system operates during the current Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Members of Parliament asked if those with Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts will be given precedence when buying Tatkal tickets and if Aadhaar verification would be a mandatory necessity. Concerns were also expressed over how these actions would prevent agents and touts from abusing the Tatkal ticketing system.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, the railway minister, clarifies:
In response, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on August 1 that individuals who have successfully completed Aadhaar verification can now only buy Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC website or mobile app. He said that during the first half hour of the Tatkal Advance Reservation Period (ARP), booking agents are not allowed to access the system.
“By reducing instant ticket booking, actions conducted in this area have increased booking convenience. Additionally, by prohibiting numerous bookings using fictitious accounts, the system has been made more egalitarian. The minister responds, “It is a continuous and ongoing process to take steps to ensure transparency in booking of Tatkal tickets based on feedback received on various platforms.”
Only verified users can access Tatkal e-tickets:
It is now required to link and validate Aadhaar with IRCTC accounts in order to buy Tatkal tickets.
This move is a significant step in Indian Railways’ eight-year battle against the abuse of unapproved software during Tatkal reservations and aims to increase transparency in the ticket purchasing system. The new OTP-based verification procedure for both online and offline tickets is anticipated to be implemented on July 15 and is anticipated to slow down Tatkal reservations, perhaps ending the long-standing issue of tickets disappearing in a matter of seconds.
The IRCTC platform’s integration with UIDAI for Aadhaar-based authentication and OTP verification is anticipated to increase server load, which might result in slower booking speeds across the country.
It is expected that the UIDAI connection with the IRCTC platform for OTP verification and Aadhaar-based authentication would increase server load, which might result in slower booking speeds across the country.
IRCTC Tatkal Booking & Aadhaar – FAQ (August 2025)
1. Can I book Tatkal tickets only through Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts now?
Yes. As per the Railway Minister, only Aadhaar-verified IRCTC users can book Tatkal tickets via the IRCTC website or mobile app. Aadhaar linking and OTP verification are now mandatory.
2. Will Aadhaar-linked users get priority for Tatkal bookings?
No special priority is given to Aadhaar-linked users. However, only verified Aadhaar users can book Tatkal tickets, which helps make the process fairer and more secure.
3. Are booking agents still allowed to book Tatkal tickets?
Booking agents are not allowed to access the system during the first 30 minutes of the Tatkal booking window (Advance Reservation Period – ARP). This measure is in place to prevent misuse.
4. Is Aadhaar verification now mandatory for Tatkal booking?
Yes. Users must link and verify their Aadhaar with their IRCTC account to be eligible to book Tatkal tickets.
5. Why has Aadhaar verification been made mandatory for Tatkal bookings?
To:
Prevent misuse by agents and touts.
Stop fake accounts and bots from mass booking.
Improve fairness and transparency in the system.
Reduce instant ticket grabbing by unauthorized software.
6. How does the new Aadhaar-based system work?
Users must link Aadhaar with IRCTC.
OTP-based authentication is used to verify identity.
Only verified users can proceed with Tatkal booking.
This process applies to both online and offline tickets.
7. Will Tatkal booking become slower now?
Possibly. The integration of IRCTC with UIDAI servers (for Aadhaar and OTP verification) might increase server load, which could slightly slow down booking speed nationwide.
8. When was this new rule implemented?
The Aadhaar-based Tatkal booking system and verification process were scheduled to be implemented from July 15, 2025.
9. Does this mean the end of auto-booking tools and scripts?
That is the intended goal. These changes aim to eliminate unauthorized software and fake accounts that grab Tatkal tickets in seconds, making it easier for genuine users to book.
10. Is this the final system or will there be more changes?
It is an ongoing process. The Railway Ministry is continuously working on improving transparency, reducing misuse, and adapting based on public feedback.
Add Business Connect magazine to your Google News feed
