Railway Ministry’s Big Move: Aadhaar Required for Tatkal Tickets Starting July 1

In a significant step to streamline its services, the Railway Ministry announced that Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets starting July 1, 2025. This measure, communicated to all railway zones, aims to ensure that the Tatkal scheme benefits genuine passengers and curbs misuse by brokers and unauthorized agents.

Curbing Brokers and Ensuring Fair Access

The Tatkal scheme, designed for last-minute travel, often sees high demand, with tickets booked within minutes of opening. However, touts and agents exploit the system, snapping up tickets for resale at inflated prices, leaving genuine passengers stranded. The ministry’s order, dated July 10, 2024, addresses this by linking Tatkal bookings to Aadhaar, a unique 12-digit number that verifies identity via biometric data. By requiring passengers’ Aadhaar details during booking, Indian Railways seeks to eliminate fraudulent practices and ensure equitable access. The ministry emphasized that this aligns with its commitment to passenger welfare and transparency.

Implementation Details

From July 1, 2025, passengers booking Tatkal tickets online through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or at reservation counters must provide their Aadhaar number. For online bookings, users will need to link their Aadhaar to their IRCTC accounts, with verification done via OTP or biometric scanning. At counters, passengers will need to present their Aadhaar card or virtual ID for authentication. The system will limit bookings to four tickets per Aadhaar per month to prevent bulk purchases. Railways has upgraded its IT systems to handle Aadhaar integration, ensuring a smooth transition.

Public Response and Challenges

While many passengers have welcomed the move, citing fairer access, others have raised concerns about privacy and accessibility, especially for those without Aadhaar or in areas with poor connectivity. The ministry has assured robust data protection and plans to set up helpdesks at major stations. Awareness campaigns are underway to educate passengers before the July 2025 deadline.

A Step Toward Modernization

The Aadhaar mandate for Tatkal bookings reflects Indian Railways’ broader push to modernize services. By leveraging technology to combat malpractices, the ministry aims to restore trust in the Tatkal system, ensuring urgent travel needs are met efficiently. This reform could pave the way for further digital innovations in railway operations.