In a major update for railway passengers across India, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has announced that Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for all Tatkal train ticket bookings starting 1st July 2025. This new guideline, issued as part of Government directives, will apply to bookings made through both the IRCTC website and the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app.
What This Means for Passengers
Tatkal tickets, often the last-minute lifeline for many travellers, will soon be available only to users whose IRCTC accounts are linked and authenticated with their Aadhaar number. Without this authentication, users will not be allowed to proceed with Tatkal bookings post the cut-off date.
The move is aimed at enhancing transparency, curbing misuse of the Tatkal quota, and streamlining the identification process for ticket buyers.
How to Authenticate Your Aadhaar with IRCTC
To avoid any disruption in your travel plans, IRCTC advises users to complete the Aadhaar authentication process at the earliest. The process is simple and can be done online by following these steps:
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Log in to your IRCTC account via www.irctc.co.in or the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile application.
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Navigate to the "My Account" section.
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Click on “Authenticate User” and follow the on-screen instructions.
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Make sure your Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active, as an OTP (One Time Password) will be sent for verification.
Once successfully authenticated, users will be eligible to book Tatkal tickets seamlessly from 1st July onwards.
Why This Step Is Important
With crores of Indians depending on the Tatkal service for urgent travel, the move is seen as a step towards improving digital governance and reducing fraudulent bookings. Ensuring Aadhaar-based verification will also align the IRCTC platform with other secure digital identity initiatives promoted by the Government.
Final Reminder
If you frequently book Tatkal tickets, don’t wait until the last minute. Authenticate your IRCTC profile with Aadhaar well before 1 July 2025 to ensure a smooth and hassle-free booking experience.
For more information or assistance, users can reach out to IRCTC Customer Support through official channels.