Aadhaar Verification Now Required for Online Train Tickets: New IRCTC Rule Explained

Booking train tickets online in India will now require identity authentication, as the government’s railway ticketing platform has introduced a stricter verification system aimed at improving fairness and transparency. The move is expected to significantly change how passengers reserve seats, especially during high-demand booking windows.

According to the latest directive issued by Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, passengers must complete identity verification before purchasing tickets through its website or mobile app. Without completing this process, users will not be able to finalize bookings.

Why the New Rule Has Been Introduced

The online ticketing system managed by Indian Railways handles millions of reservations daily. Officials say the updated requirement is designed to prevent misuse of the platform by fake or duplicate accounts that often corner seats during peak booking times.

Ticket scalping and automated booking tools have long been a concern, particularly for Tatkal and Advance Reservation Period (ARP) tickets, which sell out within minutes. By linking user accounts to verified identity credentials, authorities aim to ensure genuine passengers get a fair chance.

Railway officials explained that the step will strengthen security checks and streamline ticket distribution, reducing fraudulent bookings and improving overall system reliability.

Impact on Advance Reservation Bookings

Under the new framework, only verified users will be able to book tickets on the very first day reservations open. Those who have not completed verification will still be able to purchase tickets later, but they will lose priority access during the initial booking window.

This change is expected to particularly affect travelers who frequently book tickets right when reservations begin—often weeks in advance—to secure preferred seats or lower fares.

Passengers who want uninterrupted booking access are therefore advised to update their accounts as soon as possible.

Mandatory Verification for Tatkal Tickets

The updated rule also extends to Tatkal bookings, a scheme designed for last-minute travel. Because these tickets are limited and in high demand, they have historically been targeted by touts and automated booking systems.

Requiring verified accounts is expected to curb such practices. Officials believe the system will help ensure that emergency travelers—such as those needing urgent journeys for work or family reasons—have a better chance of obtaining confirmed tickets.

OTP System Already Rolled Out in Phases

The verification mechanism has been implemented gradually over recent months. By December 2025, an OTP-based identity confirmation system was already operational across 322 trains, forming part of the broader modernization drive.

Railway authorities report that after introducing authentication checks, the time required to secure confirmed Tatkal tickets improved noticeably across many routes. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, nearly 65 percent of trains saw faster confirmation timelines following the rollout.

What Passengers Should Do Now

Travelers who frequently use online booking services should log in to their accounts and complete the verification process at the earliest. This ensures uninterrupted access to all booking windows, including high-priority reservation periods.

Steps typically involve linking identity details to the user profile and confirming them through a one-time password authentication. Once completed, passengers can continue booking tickets as usual without additional restrictions.

Bigger Push Toward Digital Transparency

The new rule reflects a broader push by Indian Railways to modernize digital infrastructure and make ticketing more transparent. Authorities say that by ensuring each booking is tied to a verified individual, the system becomes more secure, efficient, and equitable.

For passengers, the message is clear: verification is no longer optional. Completing it promptly will help avoid last-minute hassles and ensure smooth ticket booking—especially during peak travel seasons.