Thu Jan 08 04:20:00 UTC 2026: ### Railway Tightens Ticket Booking Rules, Linking to Aadhaar Mandatory for Certain Hours

The Story:
Indian Railways has implemented significant changes to its ticket reservation system, requiring Aadhaar card linkage for IRCTC accounts to book tickets during specific hours. Effective January 5, 2026, users without Aadhaar-linked accounts face restrictions on booking tickets online from 8 AM to 4 PM. This measure aims to curb fraudulent activities and ensure genuine passengers have better access to confirmed tickets, particularly during the initial opening of the advance booking window. The restrictions are being implemented in phases, with further tightening scheduled for January 12, 2026.

Key Points:

  • Effective January 5, 2026, IRCTC users without Aadhaar-linked accounts cannot book tickets online between 8 AM and 4 PM during the initial advance booking window.
  • The rule primarily impacts advance ticket bookings, specifically the first day the booking window opens (60 days prior to travel).
  • This initiative targets fraudulent accounts and aims to provide confirmed tickets to genuine passengers during peak booking times.
  • Further restrictions are planned for January 12, 2026, extending the blocked booking hours for non-Aadhaar linked accounts from 8 AM to 12 AM.
  • Offline ticket booking remains unaffected by these changes.
  • Linking IRCTC accounts to Aadhaar requires logging in, navigating to “My Profile,” selecting “Aadhaar KYC,” and completing OTP verification.

Critical Analysis:
The Indian Railways’ decision to enforce Aadhaar linkage for online ticket bookings appears to be a direct response to ongoing issues with fraudulent activities and the proliferation of fake accounts. By progressively tightening the rules, the Railway aims to identify and eliminate these fraudulent accounts, which historically monopolize the ticket booking system, especially during the initial opening of the advanced ticket window. The gradual implementation, with increasing restrictions phases, indicates a strategic approach to minimize disruption while maximizing the impact on illegitimate bookings.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Indian Railways is prioritizing the verification and authentication of its users to reduce fraud and improve ticket availability for genuine passengers.
  • The decision to restrict booking hours for non-Aadhaar linked accounts demonstrates a commitment to using digital identification to enhance security and fairness in the ticket reservation system.
  • These changes highlight the growing integration of Aadhaar into various aspects of Indian infrastructure and services.
  • The phased implementation suggests a calculated approach to minimize disruption while maximizing the impact on fraudulent activities.

Impact Analysis:

The long-term impact of these changes is likely to include:

  • Reduced Fraudulent Bookings: The stringent measures are expected to curtail the prevalence of fake accounts and fraudulent ticket purchases, freeing up seats for legitimate travelers.
  • Improved Ticket Availability: By eliminating fraudulent activities, genuine passengers should experience improved access to confirmed tickets, particularly during peak booking times.
  • Increased Aadhaar Adoption: The mandatory Aadhaar linkage may encourage more individuals to obtain and link their Aadhaar cards to their IRCTC accounts, further integrating digital identification into daily transactions.
  • Enhanced Security: The use of OTP verification through Aadhaar linkage will enhance the overall security of the online ticket booking system.

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