Starting October 01, 2025, Indian Railways will introduce major changes to its ticket booking system. Passengers will now need Aadhaar-verified IRCTC accounts to book general reservation tickets during the first 15 minutes after the booking window opens. Previously, this requirement applied only to Tatkal bookings. By extending this rule, the Railways aim to curb fraudulent bookings and ensure genuine travellers have better access, especially during high-demand periods.
New Rule Explained
For example, if a passenger wants to book a ticket on the Shiv Ganga Express from New Delhi to Varanasi for November 15, the booking window will open at 12:20 AM on September 16. During the critical first 15 minutes, only users with Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts can book tickets. Passengers without Aadhaar authentication will have to wait until after this period, when ticket availability is typically lower.
Impact During Festive and Wedding Seasons
This rule is especially significant during festive seasons like Diwali, Chhath Puja, and Holi, as well as during wedding periods when there is a surge in train ticket demand. The initial booking window is highly competitive, similar to Tatkal bookings. Aadhaar verification is expected to reduce fraudulent bookings and make the process more transparent.
Aadhaar Mandatory for Tatkal Bookings
Aadhaar authentication has already been mandatory for Tatkal bookings since July 2025. Passengers who do not have verified accounts are not allowed to book tickets online. With the new rule, travellers should link their Aadhaar numbers with IRCTC accounts before October 01.
General Reservation Window Timing
The general reservation window runs daily from 12:20 AM to 11:45 PM and opens 60 days before the travel date. The new rule applies specifically to the first 15 minutes, when ticket demand is at its peak.
Railways Aim for Fairer Ticketing
These measures demonstrate Indian Railways’ commitment to creating a more secure and efficient ticketing system. They aim to protect passengers from fraudulent bookings and ensure fair access for millions of travellers across the country.
