Indian Railways has made Aadhaar-OTP verification mandatory for booking Tatkal and normal train tickets.
This step ensures that only genuine users can access the ticketing system, making bookings more secure and reducing the influence of bots or fake accounts.
Currently, Aadhaar-OTP is active on 322 trains and will soon cover the entire network, improving the chances of genuine passengers getting confirmed tickets faster.
Fake Accounts Removed, System More Reliable
According to the Railways Minister, about 3.02 crore (30.2 million) suspicious or fake IRCTC accounts have been deactivated.
This large-scale cleanup is a major step in making the booking system transparent and reliable.
To ensure your IRCTC account stays safe and functional, follow these steps.
How to Keep Your IRCTC Account Secure
Link Aadhaar and Verify OTP
Linking your Aadhaar is now essential. To do this:
Log in to your IRCTC account and go to ‘My Account’
Click on ‘Aadhaar KYC’ or ‘Link Aadhaar’
Enter your Aadhaar number; an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile
Submit the OTP to complete verification
Once verified, your account can book up to 12 tickets per month, and your profile will show ‘Verified’.
This step protects your account and ensures smooth bookings.
Use Strong Passwords and Two-Step Security
Avoid weak passwords.
Use a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.
If IRCTC offers two-step verification or multi-factor authentication, enable it to add an extra layer of security.
Monitor Account Activity
Check your account regularly.
If you notice suspicious logins or unknown IP addresses, change your password immediately.
Keep an eye on your login history and booked tickets to spot any unusual activity.
Never Share Your OTP or Credentials
Only use OTPs received from the official IRCTC portal or app.
Never share your OTP or login details with anyone, as these are keys to your account.
Takeaway
The Aadhaar-OTP system is a game-changer for IRCTC, ensuring safer and faster ticket bookings for genuine passengers.
By linking Aadhaar, using strong passwords, monitoring activity, and safeguarding your OTP, you can protect your account and enjoy a smooth booking experience.
