Will those buying general tickets also have to show an Aadhaar card? Know the important thing.

Indian Railways has made Aadhaar based OTP verification mandatory for Tatkal ticket booking. The rule has come into effect from July 15, 2025. However, those taking general general tickets will not need to show Aadhaar.

Indian Railways has made a big change in the Tatkal ticket booking process. Now it will be mandatory for passengers to do Aadhaar based OTP verification to buy Tatkal tickets online or from the counter. This rule has come into effect from July 15, 2025. The Railway Ministry says that the purpose of this step is to stop brokers and fake booking, so that the common passenger can get relief.

Aadhaar authentication will be necessary

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav had recently informed that now before booking Tatkal tickets, the passenger will have to do e-Aadhaar authentication. In this, the passenger will get an OTP on the mobile number linked to his Aadhaar, after entering which the ticket will be booked. It will not be possible to book tickets without OTP.

Impact on common passengers

Many passengers have a question in their minds whether they will have to show Aadhaar card to buy general tickets now. In such a situation, railway officials have clarified that this rule will apply only to Tatkal ticket booking. That is, people taking ordinary general tickets do not need to show Aadhaar card. Passengers can buy general tickets without any identity card from the ticket window or mobile app as before.

The special provision in the new system is that IRCTC agents will not be able to book tickets for the first 10 minutes of opening of Tatkal ticket booking. Agents will not be able to book for AC class tickets from 10 am to 10:30 am, while agents will not be able to book for non-AC class tickets from 11 am to 11:30 am. Due to which common people will get more chance to get tickets first.

Aadhaar will have to be linked to IRCTC account

Passengers who book tickets online will have to link their IRCTC profile with Aadhaar card in advance. For this, login to IRCTC website or Rail Connect app, after this, go to My Account section and click on Authenticate User. Now the user has to enter the Aadhaar number and verify it with OTP. After this process, your account will be linked to Aadhaar and you will be able to book Tatkal tickets easily.