IRCTC Updates Ticket Booking Rules: Aadhaar Verification Now Mandatory During Peak Hours
The Indian Railways has rolled out a major update for online ticket booking through IRCTC. Starting October 1, 2025, Aadhaar authentication has been made mandatory for booking train tickets between 8 AM and 10 AM — the two busiest hours for reservations. Without Aadhaar verification, passengers will not be able to book tickets during this time slot.
New Rule to Curb Fraud and Promote Transparency
According to the Indian Railways, this decision aims to curb fraudulent bookings and ensure that genuine passengers get fair access to train tickets. During the morning hours, the demand for tickets is exceptionally high, and several unauthorized agents or touts often book tickets in bulk to resell them at inflated prices. By mandating Aadhaar authentication, the railways intend to block such malpractice and make the booking process more transparent and secure.
Under the new system, only passengers with verified Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts will be able to book tickets between 8 AM and 10 AM. Users who haven’t linked their Aadhaar can continue booking tickets after 10 AM, once the restricted period ends.
How to Link Aadhaar with IRCTC Account
Passengers can easily link their Aadhaar card by visiting the ‘My Profile’ section of their IRCTC account and selecting the ‘Authenticate User’ option. After entering their Aadhaar number, they will receive an OTP for verification. Once authenticated, users can seamlessly book tickets even during the restricted morning hours.
Importantly, this rule applies only to online bookings made through the IRCTC website or mobile app. It will not affect bookings made at computerised PRS counters. The 10-minute booking restriction for authorized agents will also remain in force.
Benefits of Aadhaar-Based Authentication
Railway officials state that this change will make the entire booking process more transparent, secure, and efficient. With Aadhaar verification in place, each booking will be tied to a verified individual, significantly reducing fraudulent or duplicate reservations.
The move is also part of the government’s broader Digital India initiative, which aims to bring accountability and reliability to public digital systems. Experts believe that this will help improve user trust in IRCTC’s platform while ensuring smoother operations during high-demand hours.
What Passengers Should Do
Travel experts advise passengers to complete their Aadhaar linking well in advance to avoid inconvenience during booking. Since Aadhaar verification is a one-time process, users can authenticate once and then book tickets freely anytime, including the morning peak hours.
Moreover, Aadhaar-linked accounts may also get priority verification and better fraud protection in the future, as IRCTC continues to enhance its digital infrastructure.
A Step Towards Smarter and Safer Ticketing
The introduction of mandatory Aadhaar authentication marks a significant step in strengthening India’s railway ticketing system. It ensures that tickets are issued only to genuine passengers and that fraudulent practices by middlemen are curtailed.
By tightening the verification process, the Indian Railways has not only enhanced passenger safety and convenience but also taken another stride toward a digitally transparent and reliable public transport system.
In short, this new rule may require a one-time effort from passengers but promises long-term benefits in terms of security, fairness, and ease of travel planning.
