Aadhaar authentication must for online train ticket booking from Oct 1

Mail News Service

Jamshedpur, Sept 15: In a significant step to ensure transparency and fair access for genuine passengers, the Union railway ministry has announced that from October 1 Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for booking general reserved train tickets through the IRCTC website or mobile app during the first 15 minutes of the reservation window.

The decision is aimed at curbing the misuse of the railway reservation system by touts and unscrupulous agents, ensuring that the common end user gets priority access to tickets during the most critical booking period.

No Change for PRS Counters and Agents’ Restriction

The railways clarified that there will be no change in the timings of ticket booking through computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters, where general reserved tickets can continue to be booked as usual.

Additionally, the existing rule that authorised ticketing agents cannot book opening day reserved tickets for the first 10 minutes after the reservation window opens will remain unchanged.

Why Aadhaar Authentication?

The move is designed to add an extra layer of verification to discourage illegal software usage, prevent bulk bookings by touts, and promote fairness in ticket allocation.

By linking the Aadhaar-based authentication process with online ticketing, the railways hopes to prioritize genuine passengers and improve user confidence in the system.

What This Means for Passengers

From October 1 passengers booking tickets via the IRCTC website or app between 8:00 AM and 8:15 AM (or the first 15 minutes of reservation opening) will need to authenticate their Aadhaar details.

PRS counters will continue to function under existing rules without any additional Aadhaar requirement.

Authorised agents will still face the 10-minute restriction before they can book general reserved tickets on the opening day.

With this initiative, Indian Railways has reiterated its commitment to passenger-centric reforms, balancing accessibility with safeguards against system misuse.