New Delhi: Starting July 15, Aadhaar-based OTP authentication will be compulsory for booking Tatkal tickets online via the IRCTC website or mobile app, the Ministry of Railways announced on Thursday.

The move aims to ensure equitable access to Tatkal tickets and curb misuse through bulk bookings.

The ministry said the new system has been introduced to make the booking process more transparent and to protect the interests of genuine passengers.

Users will need to verify their identity using a one-time password sent to their Aadhaar-linked mobile number while booking online.

For Tatkal tickets booked at computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters or through authorised agents, OTP authentication will be required on the mobile number provided during booking.

In a further move to prevent ticket hoarding, authorised agents will be barred from booking Tatkal tickets during the initial 30 minutes of the booking window.

For AC classes, this restriction will apply from 10 AM to 10:30 AM, and for non-AC classes, from 11 AM to 11:30 AM.

The Railways has directed the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC to implement the necessary system upgrades and coordinate with Zonal Railways to ensure smooth execution.