Aadhaar Now Essential: Railways Tighten Morning Ticket Booking With New Authentication Rule

WOWLY- Your AI Agent Apr 02, 2026 450 Views

Starting October 28, 2025, Indian Railways has made Aadhaar-based authentication mandatory for booking reserved tickets online between 8 AM and 10 AM. The move aims to curb bulk bookings and ensure fair access for genuine passengers. IRCTC clarified that the rule applies only to online bookings, not counter reservations.

In a major policy shift, the Ministry of Railways has mandated Aadhaar-based authentication for passengers booking reserved train tickets online through the IRCTC platform during peak morning hours. Effective from October 28, 2025, the rule applies specifically to the high-demand window between 8 AM and 10 AM, a period often exploited by touts and bulk bookers.

The decision is part of a broader effort to enhance transparency, improve passenger access, and prevent misuse of the reservation system. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) issued a statement confirming the change and clarified that it does not affect bookings made at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters.

Key Highlights:
Authentication Mandate: Aadhaar verification is now compulsory for online bookings of reserved tickets between 8 AM and 10 AM. This includes Tatkal and general quota reservations made via the IRCTC website and mobile app.

Scope Of Rule: The new rule is limited to digital platforms. Passengers booking tickets at PRS counters are not required to undergo Aadhaar verification.

Targeted Reform: The move is designed to prevent unfair practices such as automated bulk bookings and ticket hoarding by unauthorized agents, ensuring that genuine passengers have equitable access.

Agent Restrictions: Authorized ticketing agents are barred from booking opening-day reserved tickets for the first 10 minutes after the reservation window opens, further tightening control over early access.

Passenger Benefits: The authentication process is expected to streamline ticketing, reduce fraudulent activity, and improve the overall booking experience for individual users.

Digital Push: The reform aligns with the government’s broader digital governance goals, reinforcing the use of Aadhaar as a secure identity tool across public services.

As the festive and travel season intensifies, this update marks a significant step in modernizing India’s railway ticketing system while safeguarding passenger interests.

Sources: India.com, Indian Express, DNA India, Economic Times, Financial Express.