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

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.