Indian Railways has introduced a major overhaul in online ticket booking — and it’s already creating curiosity and confusion among passengers. With new Aadhaar-based verification, revised booking hours, and stricter Tatkal rules, a simple ticket booking now feels very different.
This blog explains what has changed, why these changes were necessary, and how they will impact your daily travel experience.
🔍 What Exactly Has Changed? An Overview
Indian Railways has updated the booking system with three major reforms:
1️⃣ New Booking Timings: 8 AM to 11 PM
Online booking is now officially available from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM, but the early morning hours are the most crucial due to heavy demand.
2️⃣ Aadhaar Authentication Made Mandatory (8 AM to 10 AM)
Between 8 AM and 10 AM, passengers must complete Aadhaar-based authentication to book any reserved ticket.
3️⃣ OTP Verification Compulsory for Tatkal Tickets
Tatkal bookings now strictly require OTP validation sent to your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
These three rules indicate a major shift toward a more secure and regulated booking ecosystem.
🕗 The High-Demand Window: What Happens Between 8 AM and 10 AM?
The 8 AM–10 AM time frame is historically the most competitive slot for booking tickets. To ensure fairness, Railways has placed the strongest rules here.
🔸 8 AM – 8:15 AM: Priority Window for Aadhaar-Linked Users
Only passengers with Aadhaar-verified IRCTC accounts can book in the first 15 minutes.
This is designed to give genuine users an early advantage before system overloads begin.
🔸 8 AM – 10 AM: Aadhaar Verification Required for All
Every user must authenticate their identity through Aadhaar.
This reduces:
- Fake accounts
- Multiple logins
- Bot-based bookings
- Artificial ticket scarcity
⚡ Tatkal Bookings: Now More Secure, More Regulated
Tatkal booking is the most abused system — often dominated by agents and automated tools.
The new rules directly target these issues:
✔ OTP-Based Aadhaar Verification Is Mandatory
Regardless of whether you book via:
- IRCTC app
- Website
- PRS counter
- Authorized agents
An OTP will be sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
Your ticket will not be booked until this OTP is validated.
✔ Agents Restricted in the First 30 Minutes
To protect ordinary passengers:
- AC Tatkal: No agent bookings from 10:00–10:30 AM
- Sleeper Tatkal: No agent bookings from 11:00–11:30 AM
This allows common travelers a fair chance before professionals begin bulk reservations.
🎯 Why Has Railways Implemented These Stricter Rules?
The new system is designed to fix long-standing problems:
🔹 Preventing Ticket Black Marketing
Automated bots and illegal tools often captured bulk Tatkal seats within seconds.
🔹 Making Bookings More Transparent
Aadhaar linking ensures the ticket buyer is a genuine individual.
🔹 Stopping Duplicate or Fake Accounts
Railways identified thousands of suspicious accounts used only to exploit Tatkal windows.
🔹 Giving Regular Users a Better Opportunity
With Aadhaar and OTP filters, the booking process becomes more equal and controlled.
In short, Railways is prioritizing authenticity over speed.
⚠ What Challenges Might Passengers Face?
While the goal is positive, passengers may face some difficulties:
- OTP delay or failure
- Trouble with Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers
- Login delays during peak traffic
- Senior citizens needing assistance
- First-time users confused by new steps
Railways is expected to improve its servers and OTP delivery system to reduce these issues over time.
📌 What Should You Do to Prepare? (Checklist)
To ensure a smooth booking experience:
✔ Link your Aadhaar with your IRCTC account
✔ Ensure your Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active
✔ Log in 5–10 minutes before booking time
✔ Pre-fill passenger details in the Master List
✔ Keep payment options ready (UPI/Net Banking/Card)
✔ Avoid agent booking during restricted windows
These small steps can significantly improve your chances of getting a confirmed ticket.
🌟 Final Verdict: Is This New Booking System Better?
The updated rules clearly aim to make ticket booking fairer, more transparent, and more secure. While passengers may need to adjust to the new process, the long-term benefits include:
- Reduced misuse
- More genuine bookings
- Better system stability during peak hours
