The Government of India has introduced major changes to the Indian Railways ticket booking process.
From now on, passengers will need to have their Aadhaar details verified to book train tickets online during certain time slots on the IRCTC website or app.
This move is aimed at increasing transparency and preventing misuse of the booking system by touts and automated bots that often block genuine travellers from getting tickets.
What Are the New Booking Rules?
Under the new system, only Aadhaar-verified passengers will be allowed to book reserved train tickets during the first 10 minutes after the online booking window opens.
Gradually, this restriction will expand — soon, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., only verified users will be able to make reservations through IRCTC’s online platforms.
It’s important to note that these new rules apply only to online bookings.
Passengers who buy tickets at railway counters (PRS) will not be affected.
Why Has the Change Been Made?
The Ministry of Railways explained that the goal is to ensure that tickets are booked by genuine passengers, not by touts or agencies using fake accounts and software.
Over the years, many travellers have struggled to get confirmed tickets, especially during busy seasons, because automated agents would book seats within seconds of the window opening.
By introducing Aadhaar-based authentication, the Railways aims to make the system fairer and more secure, ensuring that each user’s identity is verified and preventing multiple fake accounts.
Aadhaar Verification for Tatkal and Counter Bookings
This is not the first time Aadhaar verification has been linked to railway bookings.
Earlier in 2025, the Railways made Aadhaar verification mandatory for Tatkal tickets.
From July 1, only Aadhaar-verified users can book Tatkal tickets online.
From July 15, OTP-based Aadhaar validation also became compulsory for tickets booked through authorized agents or railway counters.
These steps are part of a larger plan to eliminate fraudulent ticketing and make travel more transparent.
What Should Passengers Do Now?
If you haven’t already, it’s important to link your Aadhaar number with your IRCTC account and complete the verification process.
Doing this will ensure you don’t face any issues during ticket booking — especially during high-demand hours when early access is limited to verified users.
A Step Toward Fair and Secure Travel
This new rule marks a major shift in how Indian Railways manages online reservations.
While Aadhaar verification might seem like an extra step now, it promises a safer, more transparent, and fair booking experience for genuine passengers in the long run.
