Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 5: In a major move to curb misuse of the high-demand Tatkal ticketing system and ensure fairer access for genuine passengers, Indian Railways has made One-Time Password (OTP) verification compulsory for all Tatkal bookings, whether made online or at reservation counters. The measure, aimed at tightening security and increasing transparency, is being rolled out in phases across the national network.
According to a statement issued by Indian Railways, “Tatkal tickets will now be issued only after authentication of a system-generated One-Time Password (OTP). This OTP will be sent to the mobile number furnished by the passenger at the time of booking, and the ticket will be issued only after successful validation.”
Two-phase rollout underway
The new verification step formally came into effect on December 1, starting with a pilot on Train No. 12009/12010 Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express. Following initial trials, the Railway Ministry also introduced OTP-based verification for Tatkal tickets booked at railway reservation counters—beginning November 17 on a pilot basis and later expanded to 52 trains.
Officials confirmed that the verification process will now be extended to all remaining trains across the network “in the next few days”, covering every booking channel, including the IRCTC website, mobile app and physical counters.
How the new system works
Under the new mechanism, passengers booking online will receive the OTP automatically during the transaction. For counter bookings, the OTP will be sent to the mobile number entered in the reservation slip. The ticket will be issued or confirmed only after the passenger provides the correct OTP to the booking clerk.
Railway officials said the system strengthens passenger safety and prevents fraudulent block-booking by touts and agents who have long exploited loopholes in the Tatkal scheme. The Ministry said the move makes the process “more convenient and secure” for ordinary travellers.
The Railways has introduced several digital safeguards in recent months to combat unfair practices and ensure equitable ticket availability. In July, Aadhaar-based OTP verification was made mandatory for passengers booking Tatkal tickets online.
From October 1, the Ministry restricted the first 15 minutes of online reserved general ticket bookings on IRCTC to only Aadhaar-authenticated users, preventing bots and unauthorised agents from securing tickets ahead of the public.
Officials described the latest OTP integration as “a natural extension of ongoing efforts to bring transparency to the system and give genuine passengers a fairer chance”.
They emphasised that the combination of Aadhaar-linked authentication, OTP validation and phased implementation across trains marks one of the most significant overhauls of the Tatkal booking system in recent years.