Indian Railways, which has the fourth-largest rail network in the world, plays a crucial role in the lives of millions who rely on it to travel across India. Whether it’s for vacations, saving money, or visiting family during festivals, many of us choose Indian Railways at some point. While train journeys can be fun, getting a confirmed ticket can often be difficult. However, from July 1st, Aadhaar Cards became mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets. And now, there’s another update for travelers: beginning on October 1, 2025, the Railway Ministry will allow only those users with Aadhaar authentication to reserve general tickets through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or app during the first 15 minutes after bookings open for any train.
This move aims to prevent the misuse of the reservation system, ensuring that its benefits are accessible to genuine passengers. After this 15-minute window, authorized ticket agents will then be allowed to book reservations online.
Indian Railways Confirms That No Changes Will Be Made For Booking Process At PRS Counters
Additionally, the ministry confirmed that there would be no changes to the existing booking process for general reserved tickets at computerized PRS counters of Indian Railways. Furthermore, the 10-minute restriction on ticketing agents’ booking general reservations on the opening day will also remain in place. This adjustment follows a previous circular that implemented a similar 15-minute restriction for Tatkal bookings, which proved beneficial, prompting the extension to general reservation bookings.
The decision aims to streamline the ticket booking process, making it fairer for regular passengers and reducing the likelihood of agents monopolizing ticket availability. This is particularly crucial during peak travel seasons when train tickets tend to sell out quickly. The ministry has assured that these measures are part of their broader strategy to enhance the customer experience and ensure that genuine travelers have better access to reservations.
In addition, the ministry is exploring the implementation of new technology to further improve the booking system, potentially introducing features such as dynamic pricing or a more user-friendly online interface. These advancements could lead to a more efficient booking experience across all ticket types, allowing travelers to plan their journeys with greater ease and flexibility. Stay tuned for more updates on this.
