Daily Kiran: Indian Railways has implemented new rules for tatkal ticket booking effective December 1, 2025, requiring OTP verification to complete the booking process. This new system aims to bring transparency to tatkal bookings and prevent ticket black marketing.
The Railway Board has directed Western Railway to modify the tatkal booking process, starting with the Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express (Train No. 12009/12010). Under the new system, passengers must verify an OTP sent to their mobile number during the booking process before the ticket can be confirmed.
How the New OTP System Works
The OTP-based verification process is straightforward and user-friendly. When passengers enter their mobile number during tatkal booking, the railway system will send a one-time password to that number. Passengers must enter this OTP to proceed with the booking process, after which the ticket will be confirmed.
Universal Implementation Across Platforms
This new rule applies to all booking platforms including the IRCTC website, IRCTC mobile app, computerized PRS counters, and authorized railway agents. Whether booking online or at offline counters, passengers will need to complete the OTP verification process.
Addressing Ticket Black Marketing
Railway authorities explain that this system will help eliminate fraudulent practices in tatkal booking. Previously, complaints emerged about tickets being sold out within minutes of the booking window opening, as agents and touts would book multiple tickets simultaneously for profit, leaving genuine passengers without tickets.
The OTP-based system prevents bulk bookings from a single number, ensuring fair access for travelers who genuinely need immediate tickets. This measure is expected to significantly reduce ticket black marketing and create a more transparent booking process.
Initially implemented on the Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express, this system will gradually be extended to other trains across all railway zones, making tatkal booking more accessible and fair for all passengers.