The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) will implement new Aadhaar authentication requirements for online train ticket bookings starting October 1, 2025. Under the new policy, passengers must complete Aadhaar verification to book general reserved tickets online during the first 15 minutes after reservation windows open.
The latest initiative expands upon IRCTC’s previous implementation of Aadhaar verification for Tatkal bookings, which was introduced in July 2023 to prevent fraudulent transactions. The measure, which applies to bookings made through the IRCTC website and mobile app, aims to give priority access to individual travelers over booking agents and automated systems. After the initial 15-minute window, the booking system will open to authorized agents and other users as usual.
The policy change does not affect bookings made at computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters in railway stations, where existing procedures will continue. Additionally, ticket agents will remain prohibited from making online bookings during the first 10 minutes of the reservation window.
“With a view to ensure that the benefits of the reservation system reach the common end user and are not misused by unscrupulous elements, it has been decided that with effect from 1.10.2025, during the first 15 minutes of opening of general reservation, reserved general tickets can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users,” the Railway Ministry’s circular stated.
The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC are responsible for implementing the necessary technical infrastructure for the new authentication system. The collaboration follows their successful development of the SwaRail super app, which consolidated multiple railway services into a single platform. The Railways Ministry has instructed all zones to launch awareness campaigns to inform passengers about the updated booking procedures.
The initiative marks a significant expansion of Aadhaar integration into India’s railway ticketing system, building upon existing digital identity verification measures in the transportation sector. The changes support broader government efforts to expand private sector access to Aadhaar authentication services as part of India’s comprehensive digital public infrastructure strategy.
Sources: MyPunePulse, NDTV, Punekar News, Travel and Tour World
