Indian Railways has updated both technology and rules to make Tatkal ticket booking more transparent and fair. For many years, passengers complained that Tatkal tickets were sold out within seconds after booking opened.
According to Railways, the new system will greatly increase the chances of genuine passengers getting confirmed tickets.
Aadhaar and IRCTC Verification Made Mandatory
Under the new rules, Tatkal tickets can now be booked only through a fully verified IRCTC account. Passengers must link their IRCTC account with Aadhaar.
Accounts that are not verified or have incomplete profiles will be blocked during the Tatkal booking window. While booking tickets, passengers must provide the same identification details that are linked to their Aadhaar or government ID.
This step will stop people from booking tickets with fake names and selling them at higher prices.
New Technology to Stop Bots and Software
Indian Railways has also made major technological changes. Advanced technical filters have been introduced to block auto-fill tools and scripts during the first few minutes of booking. This means tickets cannot be easily booked using software.
Earlier, many passengers faced payment failures. The new system has improved the payment gateway, making it faster and more secure. This reduces the chances of ticket cancellation at the final step of booking.
Agents will also be closely monitored during the initial booking period. New restrictions and tracking tools have been introduced to ensure that priority is given to the general public.
What This Means for Passengers
Railways has clarified that if your IRCTC profile is already updated and linked with Aadhaar, your chances of getting a confirmed Tatkal ticket are much higher than before. Passengers are advised to check their internet connection and profile status before booking.
These new rules for 2026 aim to bring transparency to railway ticket booking and rebuild public trust. Through better technology and mandatory identity verification, Railways has taken strong action against touts and illegal software use.
