Passengers booking Tatkal tickets will now have to undergo mandatory OTP verification starting 1 December 2025, as Indian Railways introduces a new security layer to enhance transparency and curb misuse of the high-demand quota.
To reinforce the booking system, the Railways has made One-Time Password (OTP) authentication compulsory across all Tatkal booking platforms. Before a Tatkal ticket is confirmed, travellers must validate an OTP sent to the mobile number provided during the booking process.
According to Western Railway, the update follows the Railway Board’s instructions to strengthen fairness in ticket allocation and eliminate unethical practices.
In a statement, Western Railway said, “There is an important modification in the Tatkal booking system as per the Railway Board guidelines. Tatkal tickets will be issued only after the authentication of a system-generated OTP. The OTP will be sent to the mobile number furnished by the passenger during booking, and the ticket will be confirmed only after successful verification.”
An important change in Tatkal Booking System is being implemented by Western Railway as per the instructions of Railway Board. Now Tatkal tickets will be issued only after verification of the One Time Password (OTP) sent by the system.
This OTP will be sent to the mobile number which is registered by the passenger. pic.twitter.com/Sm6qWCcldc
— Western Railway (@WesternRly) November 29, 2025
First Phase Rollout
The OTP-based verification system will first be introduced on Train No. 12009/12010 — the Mumbai Central–Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express.
After monitoring performance in this initial phase, the Railways will gradually extend the feature to the entire network.
Applicable Across All Platforms
The new rule will apply uniformly across:
IRCTC website
IRCTC mobile app
Railway reservation counters
Authorised travel agents
Officials said the updated system aims to prevent fraudulent activities and automated bulk bookings, ensuring genuine passengers get fair access to Tatkal tickets.
How the New OTP System Works
Under the revised procedure:
A system-generated OTP will be sent to the mobile number entered during the transaction.
Ticket issuance will be completed only after the passenger enters and verifies this OTP.
The verification requirement becomes active from 12 am on 1 December.
Western Railway emphasized that the authentication is mandatory across all computerised PRS counters, online platforms, and authorised agents.
Tatkal Booking Procedure
Passengers booking Tatkal tickets through IRCTC or authorised channels must follow the usual steps:
Log in before the Tatkal booking window opens
Enter travel details
Select the Tatkal option
Fill in passenger information
Complete the payment quickly through any approved online method
To save time, users can utilise tools like IRCTC’s “Master List”, which stores passenger details for faster checkout.
Additionally, IRCTC has updated its broader reservation guidelines. From 28 October 2025, Aadhaar authentication is mandatory between 8 am and 10 am on the first day of reservation opening. Users without Aadhaar verification can continue to book tickets outside these timings.
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