IRCTC News: Aadhaar-Based Verification Mandatory for Railway Tickets from July, Know Details

IRCTC News: The Indian Railways will make significant modifications to its ticket buying process beginning July 1, 2025, to reduce fraudulent activity and promote transparency. Passengers ordering tickets using the IRCTC website or app must link their Aadhaar card and mobile number, and verification via OTP will be necessary. This rule also applies to people who order tickets at PRS counters or through authorised agencies. The move aims to eliminate fraudulent bookings and unauthorized agents. Furthermore, agents will be prohibited from purchasing tickets during the first 30 minutes of the reservation window—AC class bookings from 10:00 to 10:30 AM and non-AC class from 11:00 to 11:30 AM—to ensure equitable access for all travellers.

How to Link Aadhaar With IRCTC Account

In the previous six months, the IRCTC has terminated about 2.5 crore bogus IDs, while over 20 lakh accounts are still being investigated. Users who fail to validate their Aadhaar are strictly scrutinised. With almost 60% of AC tickets and 84% of non-AC tickets sold within the first 10 minutes of opening, this agent restriction is a significant reform. To link your Aadhaar, log in to your IRCTC account, navigate to the “My Account” area, select the Aadhaar option, enter your Aadhaar information, and confirm using OTP. Regular travellers are recommended to update their profiles as soon as possible to avoid difficulties after the deployment. This effort represents a step towards a more transparent and equitable booking system.