Tatkal Bookings: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has made certain rules mandatory for all ticket bookings.
These are the new rules.
IRCTC has made Aadhaar-based OTP (One-Time Password) verification mandatory for all tatkal ticket bookings. The aim is to increase security and transparency in bookings.
Now, while booking tatkal tickets on the IRCTC website, passengers will have to verify their identity through an OTP sent to their Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
The current timings for Tatkal ticket bookings will remain the same. For AC classes, Tatkal bookings will start at 10:00 AM, for non-AC classes, it will start at 11:00 AM, one day before the train’s departure.
This update does not change booking windows, but ensures that tickets are booked by real users and not through unfair methods or bots.
One of the main reasons for introducing Aadhaar OTP verification is to reduce misuse. There is a huge demand for Tatkal tickets. Till now, many agents were able to book many tickets quickly using technological tools.
Since OTP verification is required from an individual Aadhaar-linked number, it is now very difficult for agents to make group bookings. This gives everyday users a chance to get a seat during peak hours.
In another measure to prevent abuse, IRCTC has banned authorized agents from booking Tatkal tickets in the first 30 minutes of the booking window.
This means that agents can access Tatkal only after 10:30 AM for AC classes and after 11:30 AM for non-AC classes. This restriction gives individual users the opportunity to book tickets in advance without any disruption or unfair competition.
IRCTC’s latest update will increase transparency in tatkal bookings. Aadhaar verification, controlled agent access will reduce fraudulent practices. Genuine passengers are expected to benefit from the system.
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