Thu Jan 08 04:20:00 UTC 2026: # Indian Railways Implements Staged Rollout of Aadhaar-Linked Ticket Booking Rules

The Story: Indian Railways has introduced new rules aimed at increasing transparency in online ticket bookings. Starting January 5, 2025, users who do not link their IRCTC accounts with their Aadhaar cards will face restrictions on booking reserved tickets during peak hours. This is part of a phased implementation designed to give users time to adapt, with increasing restrictions each week. The goal is to curb fraudulent bookings and ensure genuine passengers have better access to confirmed tickets, especially in the initial hours when booking opens.

Key Points:

  • New rules implemented on January 5, 2025, restrict ticket booking for users without Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts during certain hours.
  • The restrictions apply to bookings made 60 days prior to the train’s departure date.
  • A phased approach: Phase 1 began on December 29, 2024, Phase 2 on January 5, 2025, and Phase 3 on January 12, 2025.
  • Without Aadhaar linking, users were restricted from booking between 8 AM and 12 PM in Phase 1, 8 AM and 4 PM in Phase 2, and will be blocked from 8 AM to midnight in Phase 3.
  • The initiative aims to prevent fraudulent bookings and improve access to confirmed tickets for genuine passengers.
  • An OTP (One-Time Password) sent to the registered mobile number linked to Aadhaar will be required during booking.
  • Counter ticket purchases also require Aadhaar linking and OTP verification, especially if booking for someone else.
  • Users can link their Aadhaar cards to their IRCTC accounts through the IRCTC app or website.
  • Helpline numbers for IRCTC (139) and UIDAI (1947) are available for assistance.
  • The booking window was reduced from 120 days to 60 days prior to departure on November 1, 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • Indian Railways is actively trying to combat fraudulent ticket booking practices through Aadhaar authentication.
  • The phased implementation is intended to ease the transition for users and provide time to link their accounts.
  • The focus is on prioritizing genuine passengers and reducing the impact of ticket touts and automated booking systems.
  • The system aims to provide equal opportunity to book tickets on the online platform, particularly during peak booking hours.
  • Aadhaar linking and OTP verification will be essential for booking railway tickets online and at counters during the restricted time frames.

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