Indian Railways is preparing to introduce a major change in the Tatkal ticket system, and this new rule will directly impact passengers. Many people are curious to know what this rule is and how it will change the booking process.
For years, getting a Tatkal ticket from the counter was considered easier compared to online booking. But soon, this will no longer be the case. Indian Railways is bringing in an OTP-based system for all Tatkal counter tickets, making the process more secure and transparent.
The biggest reason behind this change is misuse. Railways received several complaints about passengers using fake mobile numbers, taking help from middlemen, and booking tickets unfairly. To stop these practices, the Railways has decided to make OTP verification mandatory. With this system, only genuine passengers will be able to secure Tatkal tickets.
The Railways had already tested Aadhaar-based and OTP-based verification for online bookings earlier. In July 2025, Aadhaar verification for online Tatkal tickets was introduced. Later, in October 2025, OTP verification was added for general online reservations. Passengers quickly adjusted, and the new process helped make online booking more transparent and secure.
From November 17, 2025, Railways also began a pilot project for OTP verification on counter Tatkal tickets. This started with a few selected trains and was later expanded to 52 trains. Under this system, passengers write their mobile number on the reservation form at the counter. An OTP is sent to that number, and the ticket is issued only when the passenger shares the correct OTP with the booking clerk. If the OTP does not match, the ticket is not generated.
This rule is expected to roll out across all trains very soon. The main aim of this system is to keep Tatkal ticketing fair, safe, and free from misuse. With OTP verification, the role of middlemen will reduce, and the use of fake numbers or fake identities will come to an end. Most importantly, it will ensure that tickets go to real passengers who genuinely need them.
This new rule marks a strong step by the Railways toward secure and transparent ticketing, giving passengers a more reliable and trustworthy booking experience.
