Passengers booking Tatkal tickets for premium trains from Ahmedabad will now have to complete an OTP (One-Time Password) verification step, as Western Railway has implemented a new security system to ensure transparency and curb misuse. The rule has been rolled out for major high-demand trains, including the Rajdhani Express, Duronto Express, and Vande Bharat trains originating from or passing through Ahmedabad.
According to officials, the OTP-based authentication process has been introduced to eliminate fraudulent or bulk bookings often made through bots or unauthorized agents during the Tatkal window. Tatkal tickets for premium trains typically sell out within minutes, leaving genuine passengers with limited access. The new rule aims to make the booking system fairer and more secure.
The system requires passengers to provide a valid mobile number at the time of booking—whether through the IRCTC website, mobile app, reservation counters, or authorized agents. Once the booking details are entered, an OTP is sent to the provided mobile number. The ticket will only be confirmed after the passenger enters the OTP accurately. Without OTP verification, the booking will not proceed.
This measure comes after the successful trial of an OTP-based system on selected trains earlier this month. Encouraged by positive results, Western Railway decided to extend the mechanism to more premium services. The railway authorities believe this will significantly reduce the scope for touting, bulk buying, and unfair practices that have plagued the Tatkal booking system for years.
Apart from enhancing security, the initiative is expected to bring more accountability and transparency into the booking process. Officials stated that agents will no longer be able to book multiple tickets without direct passenger involvement. Earlier, loopholes in the system allowed certain agents to bypass Tatkal limits by using multiple IDs or automated scripts. The OTP requirement will disrupt such practices.
Passengers are advised to keep their mobile phones accessible during the booking period, especially since Tatkal windows open sharply at 10 AM for AC classes and 11 AM for non-AC classes. Any delay in entering the OTP may result in losing the booking opportunity, given the high demand for trains like Rajdhani, Duronto, and Vande Bharat.
The Railway Board has indicated that this system may soon be expanded nationwide if the results from Ahmedabad and other pilot cities continue to be positive. For now, Western Railway believes this new OTP-based authentication will significantly improve fairness, reduce misuse, and provide a smoother experience to genuine travellers who rely on tatkal bookings during urgent travel needs.
