Railways Makes OTP Mandatory for Tatkal Tickets: New System Aims to End Fraud and Ensure Fair Access

Indian Railways has introduced a major change to the Tatkal ticket booking system, making OTP (One-Time Password) verification compulsory for all bookings. The move is designed to curb fraudulent practices, ensure transparency, and make Tatkal tickets more accessible to genuine travellers. With increasing complaints about misuse and irregularities in Tatkal reservations, the new OTP-based system aims to bring tighter control and greater safety to the booking process.

Under this upgraded system, passengers booking Tatkal tickets—whether through the reservation counters or the mobile app—will receive an OTP on their registered mobile number. The ticket will be confirmed only after successful verification of the OTP. Railways officials say the step will significantly reduce fraudulent bookings and help ensure that last-minute tickets reach the people who genuinely need them.

Available Both Online and at Reservation Counters

Indian Railways had already implemented Aadhaar-based verification for online Tatkal bookings. In October 2025, the OTP system was introduced for regular online reservations. Now, this security layer is being extended to offline bookings as well, including window reservations at passenger reservation counters.

The purpose is clear: streamline the booking experience, prevent identity misuse, and ensure that only authentic passengers receive confirmed Tatkal tickets. By integrating both Aadhaar and OTP systems, Railways aims to make ticketing more reliable and user-friendly.

Pilot Testing and Early Response

The OTP-based Tatkal system underwent a pilot test beginning on 17 November 2025 in select trains. So far, the system has been rolled out in 52 trains during the pilot phase. Passengers booking tickets at the counter were required to provide their mobile number, after which an OTP was generated. Only after verification was the ticket issued.

Early feedback suggests that the system is successfully blocking fraudulent attempts and improving the accuracy of passenger details. With Tatkal tickets often in extremely high demand, Railways believes the new mechanism will help ensure that these limited seats go to genuine last-minute travellers rather than agents or automated booking tools.

Full Rollout Schedule: When the New Rule Takes Effect

Railways has detailed the phased rollout plan for the Tatkal OTP system:

• From 6 December 2025, the system will be operational in 13 major trains, including premium services like Duronto and Vande Bharat.

• For specific services such as the CSMT–Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express, the new rule will apply from 5 December 2025.

• In the Pune–Hyderabad Shatabdi Express, the system has been active since 1 December 2025.

Passengers will need to provide their mobile number on the Tatkal form at the time of booking. The OTP will be sent to this number and must be verified to confirm the ticket. Railways is expected to expand this system to all trains in the coming months.

Tatkal Booking Timings Remain Unchanged

While the verification process has been upgraded, the Tatkal booking schedule stays the same. Bookings open one day before the date of travel:

• 10:00 AM for AC classes

• 11:00 AM for non-AC classes

For example, if you are travelling on 12 December, AC Tatkal booking opens at 10 AM and non-AC at 11 AM on 11 December.

A Step Toward Safer and Transparent Ticketing

With the introduction of OTP verification, Indian Railways aims to make Tatkal bookings more secure, transparent, and fairer for passengers. The new system is expected to significantly reduce fraudulent activity and ensure quick, safe access to last-minute travel options. As the rollout continues, the Railways hopes to provide a smoother and more trustworthy reservation experience for millions of daily travellers.