Passengers booking Tatkal tickets at railway counters will now receive tokens instead of waiting in long queues.
Aadhaar-based OTP verification has also been made mandatory for online bookings to curb misuse by agents and bots.
Highlights
- New Tatkal ticket booking rules came into effect on August 1, 2026.
- Railway reservation counters will follow a token-based booking system.
- Passengers will be called to the booking window according to their token numbers.
- Aadhaar-based OTP verification is mandatory for online Tatkal bookings.
- The changes aim to stop bots, fake accounts and unauthorised ticket agents.
- Passengers visiting counters should carry a valid government photo identity card.
Indian Railways has introduced major changes to the Tatkal ticket booking process from August 1, 2026, with the aim of making bookings more transparent, organised and accessible to genuine passengers.
Under the new system, passengers visiting railway reservation counters for Tatkal tickets will first receive a token. They will then be called to the ticket window according to their token number.
The token-based arrangement is expected to reduce long queues, overcrowding and disputes at reservation counters. Passengers will no longer need to stand continuously in line and can wait for their turn in a more organised manner.
Earlier, passengers often had to complete a separate token process and then join another queue at the booking window. Under the revised system, token distribution will begin directly when Tatkal booking opens, reducing repeated steps and saving time.
Indian Railways has also strengthened security for Tatkal tickets booked through the official IRCTC website and mobile application. Aadhaar-based OTP verification has now been made mandatory for online Tatkal bookings.
The additional verification is intended to stop automated bots, fake user accounts and unauthorised agents from blocking large numbers of tickets within seconds of the booking window opening. The Railways expects the move to improve the chances of ordinary passengers getting confirmed tickets.
During Aadhaar verification, an OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked with the passenger’s Aadhaar details. The booking process can be completed only after the OTP is successfully entered and verified.
Passengers planning to book Tatkal tickets at railway counters should carry an Aadhaar card or another valid government-issued photo identity document. They should also fill in passenger names, ages, gender and travel dates correctly before reaching the booking window.
Travellers have been advised to reach the reservation counter before the token process begins, as earlier token numbers may improve their chances of securing available seats.
The revised system is part of Indian Railways’ broader efforts to reduce black marketing and ensure that Tatkal tickets reach genuine passengers rather than agents using automated software.
Passengers booking online should keep their Aadhaar-linked mobile number active and ensure that their IRCTC account details are correct to avoid delays during OTP verification.
