IRCTC introduced new rules for Tatkal ticket booking; Here’s step-by-step guide

IRCTC has made Aadhaar linking mandatory from July 1 and OTP verification from 15 July. These rules will apply to both online and counter bookings.

New Delhi: There is an important news for the passengers who travels by rail. Indian Railways and IRCTC have made a major change in the system of Tatkal ticket booking. With the aim of preventing fraud and increasing transparency, Aadhaar linking has been made mandatory from 1 July, while OTP verification from 15 July. These new rules will give priority to common passengers and curb the arbitrariness of brokers, reports Dynamite News correspondent.

Now if you want to book Tatkal tickets, then your Aadhaar number must be linked to IRCTC profile. Without this, ticket booking from the website or mobile app will not be possible. Apart from this, OTP verification has been made mandatory on all online and offline (through counter or agent) bookings from 15 July. At the time of booking, an OTP will be sent to the registered mobile number of the passengers, without entering the ticket will not be booked.

Time-Bound Restriction

• Railways has banned authorized agents for the first 30 minutes of booking to give priority to the general passengers.
• Now agents will not be able to book Tatkal tickets of AC coaches before 10:00 am.
• For non-AC coaches, this restriction will be from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.
• The purpose of this step is to crack down on ticket brokers and give a better opportunity to the common people.

How To Book Tatkal Tickets From IRCTC? (Step-by-step guide)

• Go to the IRCTC website (https://www.irctc.co.in/nget/train-search).
• Log in with your username and password.
• Fill in the date of travel, station and category.
• Select the 'Tatkal' option from the quota dropdown.
• The list of available trains on the selected route will appear on the screen.
• Select the desired train and class and click on 'Book Now'.
• Fill in the passenger's name, age, gender and other details.
• Enter the Aadhaar linked mobile number and enter the verification code and OTP.
• Confirm the mobile number for SMS alerts.
• Click on 'Continue' and choose the payment option.
• Make the payment and press the 'Book' button.
• As soon as the booking is successful, the e-ticket will be sent to your mobile number and email.

On one hand, this rule of the Railways will stop the arbitrariness of brokers, on the other hand, common passengers will get more opportunities to get Tatkal tickets.