Indian Railways is rolling out a major update to the Tatkal ticket booking process to make your train journeys smoother and fairer. Starting in July 2025, new rules will help prevent ticket fraud and give genuine passengers a better chance of booking those high-demand, last-minute seats.
What’s New in Tatkal Ticket Booking?
- From July 1, 2025, you must have your Aadhaar linked and verified on your IRCTC account to book Tatkal tickets online.
- From July 15, 2025, every Tatkal booking—whether online, at railway counters, or through agents—will require an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
- This means only real passengers can book tickets, and bots or touts will find it much harder to block your way.
Agent Booking Restrictions for Fair Access
- Agents can no longer book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window.
- For AC classes, only individual passengers can book from 10:00 am to 10:30 am.
- For non-AC classes, the window is reserved for individuals from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.
- This gives you a better shot at getting a seat without competing with bulk bookings.
Reservation Charts Now 24 Hours in Advance
- Reservation charts will now be released 24 hours before your train departs, instead of just 4 hours before.
- This gives you more time to check your status and make travel plans, especially if you’re on the waitlist.
Steps to Get Ready
- Link your Aadhaar to your IRCTC account before July 1, 2025.
- Make sure your mobile number is updated and linked to your Aadhaar for smooth OTP verification.
- Avoid using agents during the restricted booking hours to maximize your chances.
- Stay tuned to official IRCTC updates for any further changes.
These new steps are designed to make ticket booking safer, more transparent, and hassle-free for everyone. Get ready for a smoother Tatkal experience and plan your next journey with confidence!
