New rule of railways

Indian Railways is continuously making changes to make the ticketing system more secure and transparent. Now Railways is going to take a big step in Tatkal ticket booking, which will not only bring a new process for the passengers, but will also curb black marketing of tickets. In the coming days, Tatkal tickets available over the counter will be issued only after OTP verification. This means that it will be almost impossible to get a ticket without OTP.

Why is OTP-based Tatkal system being started?

The biggest problem with Tatkal tickets has always been that they were misused. Many times there were complaints of fake numbers, collusion of agents and wrong booking. Railways believes that the OTP-based system will prevent such misuse to a great extent and only genuine passengers will be able to get tickets. This will increase both transparency and trust in ticket booking.

Changes have already been made in online ticketing

Railways has earlier tried this model in online ticketing. Aadhaar-based authentication for online Tatkal tickets was started in July 2025. After this, online OTP verification was made mandatory for all general reservations in October 2025. Both these changes were easily accepted by the passengers and Railways has got more transparency in the ticketing process.

Now OTP rule will come in counter tickets also

Railways has started a pilot project for OTP-based tatkal ticket booking at the counter from 17 November 2025. It started with a few trains and gradually it has been expanded to 52 trains. According to this system, when a passenger books a Tatkal ticket at the counter, an OTP is sent to the mobile number given in the booking form. The ticket is confirmed only after this OTP is given at the counter. If the OTP is not correct or the mobile number is wrong, the ticket will not be issued.

Will soon be implemented in all trains

Railways plans to implement this system in all trains across the country in the next few days. Its objective is not only to make technical changes but also to make ticket distribution more equitable and transparent. This will strictly prevent mistakes or irregularities in ticket selling and passengers will also be assured that the tickets have been booked correctly.

What will be the benefit to the passengers?

With the introduction of this system, there will be a reduction in ticket touting and wrong booking, security and transparency in counter booking will increase and the game of fake ID and wrong mobile number will end. This step of Railways is being considered as a big step towards increasing the confidence among the passengers as well as making the ticketing system modern and secure.