Indian Railways is rolling out major changes to its online ticket booking system starting October 1, 2025. The new rules are designed to make the process faster and fairer, especially for genuine passengers. Here’s everything you need to know:
🕒 1. Aadhaar-Verified Priority Window
For the first 15 minutes after reservations open, only passengers with Aadhaar-verified irctc accounts will be able to book tickets online. This exclusive window helps reduce bot-booking and ensures real passengers get first access.
🧾 2. Easy Aadhaar Verification Process
Passengers can link Aadhaar to their irctc account through a simple online process. Verification is a one-time activity and once completed, it gives permanent priority access during booking windows.
🎟️ 3. Big Win for Regular Travelers
This change is especially helpful for daily commuters, business travelers, and families who plan ahead. They will now have a much higher chance of getting confirmed tickets without fighting with agents or bots.
🚫 4. Curbing Unauthorized Bookings
Indian Railways has been battling unauthorized agents and scalpers who block bulk tickets and resell them at a premium. The Aadhaar-verified window will make it much harder for such agents to misuse the system.
📈 5. More Fair Chances for Tatkal Tickets
The change also impacts Tatkal bookings — with Aadhaar verification, passengers stand a better chance of securing a ticket during peak hours. This is expected to bring down black marketing of Tatkal tickets.
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IRCTC has upgraded its platform to handle the expected surge in Aadhaar-verified bookings. The portal will prioritize verified users and reduce payment failures and timeouts during the high-traffic first 15 minutes.
🛂 7. Identity Security Maintained
Indian Railways clarified that Aadhaar data will be securely encrypted and used only for verification purposes. No sensitive personal data will be shared with third parties.
📢 8. What You Should Do Now
If you haven’t already, link your Aadhaar with your irctc account before october 1 to take advantage of the priority window. This small step can save you from last-minute ticket stress.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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