Indian Railways Expands OTP Verification To Tatkal Counter Bookings: Here’s What Changes For Passengers

Indian Railways is set to introduce an OTP-based verification process for tatkal tickets issued at booking counters, a move aimed at tightening security and reducing misuse of the fast-track reservation quota. The new system is expected to go live in the coming days.

How It Will Work

Passengers will need to enter a one-time password sent to their mobile phones in order to secure Tatkal tickets at railway reservation counters. According to a PTI report, the Railway Ministry began testing this OTP-based system on November 17, starting with a limited number of trains before extending it to 52 services. The ministry has confirmed that the same process will be introduced for all remaining trains within the next few days.

Designed to streamline last-minute train travel arrangements and reduce misuse, the new system relies on mobile verification. "Under this system, while booking a Tatkal ticket at a reservation counter, the passenger receives an OTP on the mobile number provided in the reservation form. The ticket is confirmed only after successful OTP verification," the ministry said.

Steps To Boost Transparency And Fair Access

Officials said the OTP-based system is intended to curb misuse of the Tatkal quota and improve access for genuine passengers seeking high-demand tickets. They noted that the measure represents a significant push toward greater transparency, enhanced passenger convenience, and improved security across the railway ticketing process.

In recent months, the Railway Ministry has rolled out several steps aimed at making the reservation process fairer and preventing booking agents from manipulating high-demand tickets for profit.

As part of these reforms, Aadhaar-based OTP verification was made compulsory in July for all online Tatkal bookings nationwide. Further tightening the system, the ministry introduced another rule on October 1, allowing only Aadhaar-verified users to purchase reserved general tickets on the IRCTC website or app during the first 15 minutes after bookings open for any train.

FAQs

What is the new OTP-based system for Tatkal ticket booking?
The OTP system requires passengers to enter a one-time password sent to their registered mobile number before a Tatkal ticket booked at a railway counter can be confirmed.

Why has the Railway Ministry introduced OTP verification?
The measure aims to prevent misuse of the Tatkal quota, limit fraudulent bookings by agents, and ensure genuine passengers get a fair chance at high-demand tickets.

Does the OTP system apply to all trains?
Yes. After initial trials on select services, the Railways is rolling out OTP-based Tatkal verification to ticket counters for all remaining trains.

Is Aadhaar verification still required for online Tatkal bookings?
Yes. Since July, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication has been mandatory for all online Tatkal reservations nationwide.

Are there any other recent changes in the booking process?
From October 1, only Aadhaar-verified users can book reserved general tickets on the IRCTC website or app during the first 15 minutes after booking opens for any train.