Indian Railways is all set to implement a series of changes to its train ticket booking system starting May 10th. These updates are expected to significantly impact how passengers reserve their tickets, particularly during peak travel seasons and Tatkal periods.
As one of the world’s busiest rail networks, the Indian Railways regularly updates its processes to improve user convenience, curb misuse, and enhance transparency. The upcoming changes are aimed at streamlining ticketing operations and delivering a more seamless experience for genuine travelers.
Here’s a detailed look at the three major changes you should be aware of if you’re planning to travel by train in the coming weeks.
New OTP-Based Login System for Agents
From May 10th, authorized agents of IRCTC and other booking platforms will be required to use a mandatory OTP (One-Time Password) verification process before logging into the ticket booking system. This move is aimed at curbing illegal bookings, reducing bot activity, and ensuring that agents do not misuse multiple IDs to hoard tickets during peak hours.
The OTP verification system will be linked to the registered mobile number and Aadhaar credentials of the agent. Only verified agents will be allowed access during the Tatkal window and general booking hours, making the entire system more transparent and secure.
Changes in Tatkal Ticket Booking Timings
In a bid to ease congestion and improve fairness during Tatkal bookings, Indian Railways will revise the timing structure for Tatkal ticket reservations. While the exact revised slots are expected to be notified soon, early reports indicate that Tatkal booking may now be staggered further based on train categories such as premium, mail, and express services.
This restructuring is expected to reduce server overload and give genuine users a fair chance at securing last-minute tickets. It will also ensure better monitoring of ticket traffic across zones, limiting the advantage previously enjoyed by tech-savvy users or auto-filling software tools.
Enhanced ID Verification for High-Demand Routes
Passengers booking tickets on high-demand routes like Delhi–Mumbai, Kolkata–Chennai, or major pilgrimage and festival routes will now be subjected to stricter ID verification protocols. This includes mandatory uploading or verification of a government-issued photo ID at the time of booking for certain categories of tickets.
This enhanced verification is being introduced to tackle the growing issue of ticket touting, identity fraud, and ghost bookings that often result in genuine passengers being left stranded during the peak travel season. Railways officials believe this step will act as a deterrent and help weed out fraudulent bookings effectively.
What Passengers Should Do Before May 10th
With these new rules coming into effect, passengers are advised to update their IRCTC profiles with the latest contact information and keep valid identification ready while booking. It is also recommended to book tickets through authorized platforms or verified agents only.
As the summer travel rush builds up, being aware of these changes in advance can save travelers from last-minute complications. Indian Railways has assured that customer support services and booking helplines will be equipped to guide passengers during the transition phase.
A Step Toward Smarter Travel
The upcoming ticket booking system changes reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to digitization, transparency, and passenger convenience. With increasing dependence on online booking, these steps aim to make the system more resilient, secure, and fair for every traveler.
While there might be a short-term adjustment period, these changes are expected to deliver long-term benefits in reducing ticket fraud, improving booking speed, and enhancing overall customer satisfaction. Train travelers should stay updated and plan their trips accordingly to make the most of the revamped system.