Tatkal train ticket booking: Railways to introduce major reforms in July; check what’s changing

Indian Railways will introduce major reforms in Tatkal ticket booking from next month, including mandatory user authentication for bookings under the scheme through the IRCTC website and app.

However, a recent government release has indicated that the Railways is planning to broaden the authentication mechanism.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has instructed officials to ensure that authentication for Tatkal bookings is carried out using Aadhaar or any other verifiable government ID available in the user’s DigiLocker account.

“With effect from 01-07-2025, tickets under the Tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/ its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users,” the circular had stated.

The circular also suggested that authorised agents will be barred from reserving Tatkal tickets in the first 30 minutes of the booking window to prevent bulk bookings during the crucial opening period.

Agents will not be allowed to book air-conditioned class Tatkal tickets between 10:00 am and 10:30 am and non-AC class tickets from 11:00 am to 11:30 am, according to the circular.

The ministry has also decided to make OTP-based authentication compulsory for Tatkal bookings at railway reservation counters and through authorised agents.

“Tatkal tickets shall be available for booking through computerized PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters of Indian Railways/authorised agents only after authentication of a system-generated OTP, which shall be sent through the system on the mobile number furnished by the users at the time of booking. This shall also be implemented by 15/07/2025,” the circular said.

However, the government release stated that OTP-based authentication will be implemented for Tatkal bookings from the end of July.

Meanwhile, in another passenger-friendly reform, Indian Railways has proposed preparing reservation charts eight hours before departure instead of the existing four hours. For trains departing before 2 pm, charts will be prepared the previous day at 9 pm.

The move, which will be implemented in phases, is aimed at benefiting passengers travelling from remote areas who need clarity on their travel plans well in advance.