Aadhaar Verification Made Mandatory for Train Tickets from October 1: Railways Cracks Down on Agents
Booking a confirmed train ticket in India has long been a frustrating experience for millions of passengers. Despite continuous reforms and digital upgrades, tickets often vanish within minutes of the reservation window opening. The biggest hurdle has been the widespread misuse of the system by middlemen and agents who hoard tickets and resell them at inflated prices.
Now, in a major step to put passengers first, the Indian Railways is tightening the rules. Starting October 1, 2025, several booking regulations will change. Among the most significant updates is the mandatory Aadhaar verification for ticket bookings.
Why This Step Was Needed
For years, passengers have complained that genuine travelers often miss out on confirmed seats, while touts manage to grab large numbers of tickets the moment booking opens. These tickets are later sold at hefty commissions, leaving ordinary citizens at the mercy of agents.
Railways officials have acknowledged the problem and are determined to curb this exploitation. By linking ticket reservations to Aadhaar verification, the government aims to make the booking process more transparent and accessible to genuine passengers.
Key Highlights of the New Rules
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Aadhaar Verification Compulsory – From October 1, all passengers booking tickets through IRCTC’s website or mobile app will need to verify their Aadhaar number. This applies not just to special quotas but also to regular ticket bookings.
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15-Minute Priority Window – The first 15 minutes after the reservation counter opens will now be reserved exclusively for travelers who have completed Aadhaar verification. This move is expected to give common passengers a fairer chance at securing tickets.
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Applicable Across Platforms – The new rule will be implemented uniformly on both the IRCTC website and mobile application, ensuring there is no loophole for misuse.
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Curtailing Agent Monopolies – Since agents usually use automated systems or bulk IDs to corner seats, Aadhaar verification will make it harder for them to bypass restrictions. This is expected to break the stronghold of touts on the ticketing system.
What It Means for Passengers
For everyday travelers, this change could be a game-changer. With priority access given to Aadhaar-verified accounts, the chances of securing a confirmed ticket will significantly improve.
Railway experts believe that this rule will also encourage more passengers to complete Aadhaar linking with their travel accounts, leading to a more streamlined and secure booking process.
However, passengers who have not yet verified their Aadhaar may face difficulties if they wait until the last minute. Authorities have advised users to update and verify their Aadhaar details on IRCTC well before October 1 to avoid disruptions in booking.
Government’s Stand
According to officials, the step is not just about preventing fraud but also about ensuring fairness and equal opportunity. The Railways has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to making travel affordable, transparent, and hassle-free.
By reducing the influence of agents and touts, this initiative aligns with the government’s larger digital governance push—ensuring public services are accessed directly by citizens without middlemen.
The Bigger Picture
The Indian Railways serves as the backbone of passenger transport in the country, carrying over 2.3 crore travelers daily. Streamlining the ticketing process has long been a top priority. With Aadhaar becoming a central tool for identity verification across services, extending it to train bookings was considered a natural next step.
If successful, the move will not only simplify travel but also enhance passenger trust in the system. For ordinary citizens, this could mean fewer frustrations, fewer extra charges, and a higher chance of securing confirmed tickets for important journeys.
