IRCTC makes Aadhaar verification mandatory for advance and Tatkal bookings —what has changed for passengers

In a significant policy shift aimed at enhancing the integrity of train ticket bookings, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has made Aadhaar verification mandatory for both advance and Tatkal bookings. This new requirement is designed to ensure that only genuine passengers can secure tickets, thereby reducing instances of fraud and misuse that have plagued the system in the past. Under the revised guidelines, only users whose Aadhaar details have been verified will be permitted to book Tatkal and Advance Reservation Period (ARP) tickets. This measure is expected to bolster transparency in ticket transactions and improve the overall availability of tickets for legitimate travelers. The move aligns with broader government efforts to digitize services and enhance security protocols across various sectors. Passengers are advised to complete their Aadhaar verification to avoid any inconvenience while booking tickets online.