Travellers, Indian Railways Makes OTP Verification Mandatory For Tatkal Tickets Starting Dec 1

Indian Railways has announced a major update. They have introduced a new security feature where OTP verification is now mandatory before securing Tatkal ticket bookings. The new system has been implemented since December 1, which is today. Here is everything you need to know about this. 

Indian Railways Makes OTP Verification Mandatory For Tatkal Tickets 

पश्चिम रेलवे द्वारा रेलवे बोर्ड के निर्देशानुसार तत्काल बुकिंग प्रणाली में एक महत्वपूर्ण बदलाव लागू किया जा रहा है। अब तत्काल टिकट केवल सिस्टम द्वारा भेजे गए वन टाइम पासवर्ड (OTP) के सत्यापन के बाद ही जारी किए जाएंगे।

यह ओटीपी उस मोबाइल नंबर पर भेजा जाएगा, जो यात्री द्वारा… pic.twitter.com/Sm6qWCcldc

— Western Railway (@WesternRly) November 29, 2025

Travellers, OTP verification is now compulsory for Tatkal ticket bookings with Indian Railways. According to a report by Deccan Herald, Western Railways confirmed that this new OTP-based system would roll out on December 1. The One Time Password (OTP) will be sent to the passenger’s registered mobile number before they book their Tatkal tickets.

The system will be available across all modes of booking. It includes the IRCTC official website, railway counters, permitted agents and mobile applications. Western Railways also shared the news on their X account. They wrote, “Western Railway is implementing an important change in the Tatkal booking system as per the instructions of the Railway Board. Now, Tatkal tickets will be issued only after verification of the One Time Password (OTP) sent by the system.”

Also Read: Indian Railways Records 1.5 Crore Festive Travellers; Numbers Expected To Cross 2.5 Crore Soon

Passengers Must Provide A Valid Mobile Number

Western Railways also suggested that passengers provide a valid mobile number so that the verification process can be completed smoothly without any hassles. According to a report by Deccan Herald, this verification-based feature was first implemented in Train Number 12009/12010, the Mumbai Central-Ahmedabad Shatabdi Express. But soon, it will be implemented across the railway network.

The authorities have introduced this new measure to ensure a transparent booking process. It is also expected to give passengers better access to Tatkal tickets. Plus, it aims to reduce the misuse of Tatkal bookings, which have become very common these days.

Also Read: Indian Railways Replaces White Blankets With Sanganeri Printed Covers; What Makes This Rajasthani Print Special?

What do you think of this verification process announced by Indian Railways for Tatkal tickets? Do share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ PG-1973 (Representative Image)