Now, OTP authentication for tatkal railway tickets

A statement from the Western Railway said, “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.”

The OTP-based Tatkal authentication system will be implemented with effect from December 1, 2025, at 12 am, and will initially apply to Train No. 12009/12010 Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express.

The new system will be applicable for Tatkal bookings made through computerized PRS counters, authorised agents, IRCTC website and IRCTC mobile app. The objective of this change is to ensure transparent Tatkal bookings and to facilitate genuine passengers in getting better access to Tatkal tickets, say officials.