Booking Tatkal train tickets? Here the new rules you need to know

In an important update for train travellers across the country, Indian Railways has announced new rules for Tatkal ticket booking, effective from July. These include mandatory Aadhaar authentication for users and a change in Tatkal ticket booking timings for authorised ticketing agents.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Railways, the decision aims to ensure fair and transparent access to the benefits of Tatkal Scheme and to safeguard the interests of genuine passengers and end users.

The key modifications in the ticketing system focus on ensuring effective user authentication and reducing misuse of the scheme.

New Tatkal ticket booking rules explained

Here’s all you need to know about the new rules:

1. Compulsory Aadhaar authentication for online booking

From July 1, 2025, only users with Aadhaar-authenticated profiles will be allowed to book Tatkal tickets on the official website and mobile app of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). Additionally, starting July 15, 2025, an Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will also become mandatory for all online Tatkal ticket bookings.

2. OTP authentication at PRS counters

In addition to online bookings, starting July 15, 2025, Tatkal tickets booked at computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters and through authorised agents will also require OTP authentication. The OTP will be sent to the mobile number provided by the user at the time of booking, the statement said.

3. Changes in booking time for authorised agents

The third rule applies to authorised ticketing agents of Indian Railways, who will now be restricted from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window. This measure aims to prevent bulk booking during the opening period. As per the new rule specified in the statement, agents will not be able to book Tatkal tickets for air-conditioned classes between 10:00 am and 10:30 am, and for non-air-conditioned classes between 11:00 am and 11:30 am.

The ministry has directed the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC to implement these changes and ensure they are communicated to all zonal railways.

What is the Tatkal Scheme?

Tatkal Scheme, introduced by Indian Railways, facilitates short-notice train travel. Under this system, tickets can be booked a day before the scheduled departure of the train from the origin station. The Tatkal booking window opens at 10:00 am for air-conditioned classes and at 11:00 am for non-air-conditioned classes, one day prior to the journey.