Big IRCTC Changes from 15th July 2025
IRCTC has made Aadhaar OTP compulsory for Tatkal bookings and slightly increased train fares with earlier reservation chart updates to stop ticket fraud and help genuine passengers.
Indian Railways has announced two big changes for all long-distance train passengers starting from 15th July 2025. These changes are made to stop black market ticket sales and help genuine passengers get tickets easily.
The first change is that Aadhaar OTP has become compulsory for Tatkal bookings. Whether you are booking online through the IRCTC website or app, at the railway ticket counter, or through authorised agents, you must now use Aadhaar OTP to book Tatkal tickets. This means you have to link your Aadhaar card with your IRCTC account and your mobile number should also be linked to Aadhaar. While booking, you will get a one-time password (OTP) on your phone, which you must enter quickly during booking time. Tatkal booking starts at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes. This step will stop touts (ticket black marketers) from booking tickets in bulk and help honest passengers get tickets.
The second change is about train fares and reservation charts. From 1st July 2025, train fares have increased slightly. Non-AC class tickets have increased by 1 paisa per kilometre and AC class tickets have increased by 2 paise per kilometre. For example, if you are travelling 500 kilometres in AC class, you may have to pay ?10 extra now. Along with this, the reservation chart will now be prepared 8 hours before the train departure instead of the earlier 4 hours. This will help passengers know about their ticket confirmation or waiting list status earlier and allow them to change or cancel their plans in time.
These changes will not affect Mumbai local train passengers. The new rules are only for long-distance reserved train tickets. IRCTC says that these changes are part of making train travel better, reducing fraud, and making sure real passengers get their tickets.
Many people feel this is a good step as Aadhaar OTP will stop fake bookings and early charting will give more clarity to passengers. Though the fare increase is very small, passengers will benefit from these improvements. IRCTC believes this is a step towards smarter and fairer Indian Railways.
Do you think these rules will help honest passengers or make booking more difficult? Share your views in the comments and follow ISH News for more useful updates.
