Indian Railways has rolled out a new security feature for Tatkal ticket bookings, mandatory OTP authentication, to curb fraudulent reservations and ensure fair access for genuine passengers. Starting immediately, users booking Tatkal tickets through IRCTC will be required to verify their identity using a one-time password sent to their registered mobile number.
The new system aims to prevent misuse by automated bots and illegal touts, who often block large numbers of Tatkal seats within seconds of booking opening. Under the updated process, passengers must enter their mobile number before completing the reservation. A six-digit OTP will be sent instantly, and only after successful verification can the user proceed with payment.
Railway officials say the move will significantly improve transparency and eliminate bulk bookings carried out using fake or unverifiable identities. The IRCTC platform has also upgraded backend checks to monitor suspicious booking patterns in real time.
The Railways believes this reform will make Tatkal booking more equitable, especially during peak travel seasons, festivals, and long-distance routes that see heavy demand. Passengers are advised to ensure their mobile numbers are updated in their IRCTC profile to avoid delays during the new verification step.
