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Indian Railways new booking rules: IRCTC makes Aadhaar-based authentication mandatory for train reservation in morning hours

Indian Railways new booking rules, IRCTC Tatkal booking rules 2025: The move aims to ensure that the benefits of the reservation system reach genuine passengers and prevent misuse by touts or other unscrupulous elements.

IRCTC booking rules 2025: Last month, Indian Railways made Aadhaar verification mandatory for passengers booking reserved train tickets.

Indian Railways ticket booking new rules: The Ministry of Railways has introduced another change in the train ticket booking process through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website and mobile app. The move aims to ensure that the benefits of the reservation system reach genuine passengers and prevent misuse by touts or other unscrupulous elements.

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IRCTC train ticket booking

Last month, Indian Railways made Aadhaar-based verification mandatory for passengers booking reserved train tickets through the IRCTC website or app during the first 15 minutes of the general reservation opening. However, there has been no change in the timings of booking of general reserved tickets through computerized PRS counters of Indian Railways.

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“There shall also be no change in the timings of the restriction of 10 minutes of the opening of general reservation during which authorised ticketing agents of Indian Railways shall not be allowed to book opening day reserved tickets,” the Ministry of Railways said in a statement.

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Indian Railways ticket booking latest update

As per the latest guidelines, IRCTC has made Aadhaar-based authentication mandatory for booking reserved train tickets during morning hours.

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“With effect from 28th October 2025, only Aadhaar authenticated users are allowed to book tickets between 8 AM to 10 AM on the first day of opening of reserved ticket booking,” IRCTC said in a statement.

Indian Railways tatkal booking rules 2025

Earlier this year, the national transporter announced that Tatkal tickets booked through IRCTC’s official website and mobile app will be available only to users authenticated with Aadhaar. “To prevent bulk bookings during the critical opening period, authorised ticketing agents of Indian Railways will not be permitted to book opening-day Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window,” it said.

Anish Mondal

Anish Mondal is a business journalist with over nine years of experience. He writes on diverse subjects such as Infrastructure, Railways, Roadways, Aviation, Politics, Market, Parliamentary affairs, Corporate earnings, General and International news etc. ... Read More

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