Aadhar Card Mandate
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that Indian Railways will soon roll out mandatory e-Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal ticket bookings. This move is aimed at preventing misuse and ensuring that genuine passengers have a fair chance at securing tickets during peak demand.
Vaishnaw stated, “Indian Railways will soon implement e-Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal bookings. This will ensure that genuine users can get confirmed tickets when they need them the most.”
As part of the new system, passengers booking Tatkal tickets online will need to verify their identity through e-Aadhaar at the time of booking. Additionally, users with Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts will be given priority access during the first 10 minutes of Tatkal ticket sales.
Notably, IRCTC agents will not be allowed to book any Tatkal tickets during this initial 10-minute window, helping to reduce ticket hoarding and ensure fairer access for regular users.
The implementation of e-Aadhaar authentication is expected to begin later this month, and is part of Indian Railways’ broader push to enhance transparency and efficiency in the ticketing system. Passengers are encouraged to link their Aadhaar in advance to benefit from the enhanced system. As stated by the Ministry: “Your identity is your ticket.”
