Indian Railways mandates E-Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal tickets: Here’s how to link your IRCTC with Aadhaar

According to a senior ministry official, e-Aadhaar authentication would be the next stage, but there is already a facility in place to authenticate an IRCTC account using Aadhaar to purchase 24 tickets per month.

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The official stated that the idea for e-Aadhaar authentication is part of a campaign against the use of automated programs to purchase tickets online, further highlighting that the railways have deactivated and barred over 24 million users in the last six months, and around 2 million accounts have been marked as suspicious and are being investigated.

Starting July 1, users identified with Aadhaar can book Tatkal tickets using the IRCTC’s official website or mobile app. It’s important to note that users can add an Aadhaar-authenticated passenger from the master list during the booking process to buy up to 24 extra tickets per month.

Here’s how to link Aadhaar and IRCTC account:

Step 1: Visit the IRCTC’s official website.

Step 2: Log in using your credentials.

Step 3: Go to the ‘My Account’ page and choose ‘Authenticate User’.

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Step 4: Enter your Aadhaar number or Virtual ID.

Step 5: Click the ‘Verify Details and Receive OTP’ button.

Step 6: Enter the OTP, check the permission form, and then click ‘Submit’.

Step 7: Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation message.

(Credit: IRCTC)

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