The railway ticket booking system in India is set to undergo key changes from December 1, 2025. These updates will affect how passengers book tickets online and aim to ensure fair access, reduce misuse, and make the booking process more transparent for genuine travellers.
OTP and Aadhaar Verification Mandatory for Tatkal and Early Booking Slots
From December 1, passengers booking Tatkal tickets or urgent reservations must complete OTP verification sent to the mobile number linked with their account. Only Aadhaar-authenticated users will be allowed to book tickets during the early high-demand hours when reservation slots open. This step is designed to prevent bulk bookings by fake accounts and automated bots, giving genuine travellers a better chance to secure confirmed tickets.
Advance Booking Window Remains 60 Days
The advance reservation window continues to be 60 days from the date of travel, excluding the travel date itself. This ensures better seat utilization, reduces speculative bookings, and prevents unnecessary cancellations. Travellers should plan their bookings accordingly to avoid missing the window.
Impact on Different Ticket Types and Travellers
For Tatkal and premium tickets, completing Aadhaar verification and OTP authentication will be mandatory. Regular advance bookings remain open for 60 days, but early-opening slots are now more secure for verified users. Frequent travellers must ensure their mobile number is linked and active, and documents are ready for verification to avoid delays.
Why the Changes Are Being Made
These changes are introduced to curb misuse of the online booking system, including fake accounts and bulk ticket reservations by automated bots. By enforcing Aadhaar-linked accounts and OTP verification, the railways aim to create a fairer and more transparent booking system. At the same time, maintaining a 60-day advance booking window reduces speculative reservations, improving seat availability during peak travel seasons.
How Passengers Should Prepare
Passengers should link their accounts with Aadhaar and keep their registered mobile number active to receive OTPs. Planning trips in advance is now more important, especially during festive and peak seasons. While offline counter bookings remain unaffected, online bookings will require adherence to the new rules to ensure successful ticket confirmation.