Indian Railways has rolled out a set of important updates to its ticket booking system starting October 1, 2025. These new rules are designed to make online reservations more secure, reduce fraudulent bookings, and ensure a fairer system for passengers. From mandatory Aadhaar authentication to stricter Tatkal booking norms and revised chart preparation timings, travelers now need to be aware of several changes before planning their journey. If you’re booking tickets via IRCTC or at railway counters, understanding these updates will help you avoid last-minute hassles and ensure a smooth travel experience.
5 New Indian Railway Rules
1. Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory for Online General Ticket Bookings
Effective October 1, 2025, Indian Railways requires passengers to authenticate their identity using Aadhaar to book reserved general tickets online via the IRCTC platform. This measure aims to enhance transparency and reduce fraudulent activities. Bookings made through computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters remain unaffected by this change.
2. Aadhaar OTP Verification for Tatkal Bookings
Starting July 15, 2025, Aadhaar-based One-Time Password (OTP) verification has been made mandatory for all Tatkal ticket bookings, whether made online, at PRS counters, or through authorized agents. This step aims to reduce fraudulent bookings and ensure that tickets are accessible to genuine passengers. Authorized agents are also restricted from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window.
3. Changes in Train Chart Preparation Time
To provide passengers with more accurate information, the first reservation chart will now be prepared 8 hours before the scheduled departure of the train, instead of the previous 4 hours. This change applies to trains departing between 05:00 hrs and 14:00 hrs, with the chart being prepared by 21:00 hrs of the previous day. For trains scheduled to depart between 14:00 hrs and 05:00 hrs, the chart will be prepared 8 hours before departure. The final reservation chart will continue to be prepared 30 minutes before departure.
4. Anti-Touting Measures and Agent Booking Restrictions
Indian Railways has implemented stricter measures to combat ticket touting and unauthorized agent bookings. Authorized agents are prohibited from booking opening-day reserved tickets during the first 10 minutes of the general reservation window. Additionally, system-based OTP verification is now mandatory for booking tickets at counters and through agents, further enhancing security and fairness in the booking process.
5. Updated Train Ticket Cancellation Policy
Passengers can cancel e-tickets online through the IRCTC website until the chart preparation of the train. Cancellations are not permitted at face-to-face railway counters. For confirmed tickets, cancellation charges apply based on the time of cancellation relative to the scheduled departure. For example, cancelling between 48 hours and 12 hours before departure incurs a 25% fare charge. No refund is provided for confirmed Tatkal tickets.
How to Link Aadhaar with Your IRCTC Account
To comply with the new Aadhaar authentication requirements, follow these steps to link your Aadhaar with your IRCTC account:
- Visit the IRCTC Website or App: Log in to your IRCTC account.
- Navigate to ‘Profile’: Select the ‘Profile’ section from the menu.
- Choose ‘Aadhaar Linking’: Click on the ‘Aadhaar Linking’ option.
- Enter Aadhaar Details: Provide your Aadhaar number and other required information.
- Verify via OTP: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to complete the verification process.
Ensure that your mobile number is linked with your Aadhaar to receive the OTP. This process will enable you to access the new booking privileges and comply with the updated rules.
Summing Up
The recent changes in Indian Railways’ ticket booking system are designed to enhance security, promote fairness, and ensure that genuine passengers have better access to tickets. By understanding and adapting to these new rules, you can make your travel planning more efficient and secure. Remember to link your Aadhaar with your IRCTC account and stay informed about further updates to enjoy a seamless booking experience.
