Indian Railways has introduced a new security protocol for Tatkal ticket bookings, making One-Time Password (OTP) verification mandatory for passengers across all booking channels. The system, which comes into effect on 1 December, requires travellers to validate an OTP sent to their mobile number before a Tatkal ticket is issued.

According to Western Railway, the modification follows Railway Board guidelines aimed at tightening transparency and preventing misuse of the high-demand quota. "There is an important modification in the Tatkal booking system in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Railway Board. Tatkal tickets will now be issued only after authentication of a system-generated One Time Password (OTP). This OTP will be sent to the mobile number furnished by the passenger at the time of booking, and the ticket will be issued only after successful validation of the OTP," Western Railway said in a statement.

First phase rollout

The OTP-based authentication will initially be implemented on Train No. 12009/12010, the Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express. Railways officials said the system would gradually expand to the rest of the network after the first-phase rollout.

The new rule applies to all Tatkal booking platforms, including the IRCTC website, its mobile application, railway counters and authorised agents. Officials said the move is intended to ensure fair access for genuine passengers and curb fraudulent or automated bulk bookings.

How the new system works

Under the updated framework, a system-generated OTP will be sent to the mobile number provided at the time of transaction. Tickets will be confirmed only after this OTP is successfully verified. The verification process will be active from 12 am on 1 December.

The Western Railway reiterated that the mandate applies uniformly across computerised PRS counters, IRCTC’s online portal, the mobile app and authorised booking agents.

Tatkal booking procedure

Travellers booking Tatkal tickets through IRCTC or authorised platforms must follow the standard steps:

  • Log in before the booking window opens
  • Enter travel details
  • Select the Tatkal option
  • Fill in passenger information
  • Complete the payment promptly using any permitted online mode

Features like the “master list” can help speed up the process by storing passenger details for future use.

IRCTC has also updated its reservation rules, making Aadhaar authentication compulsory between 8 am and 10 am on the first day of the reservation opening from 28 October 2025. Non-Aadhaar verified users can continue to book tickets outside these hours.