Key Changes in Tatkal Ticket Booking: Indian Railways Brings New OTP Rule
Tatkal ticket booking new rules: Indian Railways is preparing to introduce a major change in the Tatkal ticket booking system. To make ticketing more transparent and to prevent misuse, OTP verification will now be mandatory for all counter Tatkal bookings.
Why This Change?
In recent years, Railways has noticed large-scale misuse of Tatkal tickets. Middlemen and unauthorized agents were:
- Booking tickets with fake mobile numbers
- Blocking seats using false identities
- Charging extra from passengers
To eliminate such practices, an Aadhaar-linked OTP system is being rolled out.
OTP-Based Verification for Tatkal Tickets
When a passenger fills out a reservation slip at the counter…
An OTP will be sent to the mobile number mentioned
The ticket will be issued only after OTP confirmation
If OTP is incorrect → Ticket will not be booked
This ensures that only genuine travelers get tickets.
Where Is This Implemented Now?
The system was already introduced for:
Online Tatkal tickets – Aadhaar verification (since July 2025)
General counter bookings – OTP mandatory (since Oct 2025)
Now, Railways has started a pilot program for counter Tatkal reservations from November 17, 2025 in select trains. It has already expanded to 52 trains.
Nationwide Rollout Soon
Indian Railways plans to implement this rule across the country soon. Once fully launched:
- Middlemen will lose control
- Fake ticket bookings will reduce
- Passenger safety and trust will improve
- Genuine passengers will get more chance to book Tatkal tickets
Final Takeaway
This major upgrade in the Tatkal system will create a fair, secure, and transparent railway ticketing process. Travelers are advised to carry active mobile numbers and keep their phones handy while booking Tatkal tickets at counters.
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