Passengers please note! This rule of train ticket booking is changing from October 1, know the full details here

Indian Railways Changes Online Ticket Booking Rules From October 1: Aadhaar-Verified Passengers to Get Priority

Starting October 1, 2025, the Indian Railways is set to implement a significant change in its online ticket booking process. According to an official notification issued by the Ministry of Railways, passengers with Aadhaar-verified profiles will be given priority access to ticket booking during the first 15 minutes after the reservation window opens.

This change will apply exclusively to general (non-Tatkal) ticket bookings made through the IRCTC website and mobile application. The ministry clarified that the initiative is aimed at improving transparency, curbing fraudulent bookings, and ensuring that genuine passengers have a better chance of securing confirmed seats.

Key Highlights of the New Rule

• Effective Date: October 1, 2025

• Scope: Applies only to general ticket reservations (non-Tatkal) booked online.

• Priority Access: For the first 15 minutes after booking opens, only passengers with Aadhaar-authenticated accounts can book tickets.

• Platforms Covered: IRCTC website and official mobile app.

• No Change for PRS Counters: Rules for tickets purchased at physical Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters will remain unchanged.

Railway’s Rationale Behind the Change

The Indian Railways has long faced challenges with ticket scalping, unauthorized agents, and misuse of booking systems. By introducing Aadhaar verification as a filter, officials believe that fraudulent or automated bookings will be reduced significantly.

A senior railway official noted that this measure will:

• Reduce broker interference in the booking process.

• Provide genuine travelers better access to confirmed tickets.

• Enhance transparency in the reservation system.

Restrictions on Agents to Continue

The ministry also reiterated that authorized travel agents will continue to face restrictions during the early phase of bookings. As per existing rules, agents are barred from booking tickets for the first 10 minutes of general reservations and the first 30 minutes of Tatkal bookings. This ensures that ordinary passengers get a fair chance before agents can access the system.

Background: Aadhaar Verification in Tatkal Booking

This isn’t the first time Aadhaar authentication has been made mandatory for railway reservations. On July 1, 2025, Indian Railways introduced Aadhaar-based verification for Tatkal tickets. Under this rule, Tatkal tickets can only be booked through the IRCTC website or mobile app, and Aadhaar authentication is compulsory.

The upcoming change on October 1 is essentially an extension of this system, bringing Aadhaar verification to general ticket bookings as well.

How Passengers Will Benefit

• Fewer Fake Bookings: Aadhaar authentication will reduce the chances of bulk or fake bookings made by unauthorized operators.

• Higher Chances of Getting a Seat: With fewer manipulations, regular travelers will have a better opportunity to book confirmed seats, especially during peak seasons.

• Improved User Experience: A more transparent and efficient booking process is expected to cut down on complaints and booking failures.

No Change for Counter Bookings

For passengers who prefer to buy tickets at railway counters, there is no change in procedure. Physical bookings through PRS counters will continue as before, without Aadhaar verification requirements during the initial booking window.

What Passengers Should Do

To take advantage of the new system, passengers are advised to:

Update their IRCTC account with Aadhaar details well before October 1.

Complete the authentication process to avoid delays during booking.

Be ready to book tickets as soon as the window opens to maximize their chances of securing seats.

A Step Towards Transparency

With this move, Indian Railways aims to strengthen its reservation system and ensure fairness for ordinary travelers. By prioritizing Aadhaar-verified passengers during the initial booking period, the government hopes to reduce malpractices and make the process more traveler-friendly.