Indian Railways Mandates Aadhaar for Online Bookings

Indian Railways has announced a significant policy change that will require passengers to use Aadhaar authentication when booking general reserved tickets online during peak booking periods. Starting October 1, 2025, the new rule will apply to all reservations made through the IRCTC website and mobile application during the first 15 minutes of the booking window opening.

Enhanced Security Measures to Combat System Misuse

The primary objective behind this initiative is to eliminate unfair practices and prevent misuse of the reservation system. Railway officials have identified instances where the current booking system was being exploited, leading to genuine passengers facing difficulties in securing tickets. The mandatory Aadhaar verification process aims to ensure transparency and provide equal access opportunities for all travelers.

The Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC have been instructed to implement the necessary technological updates to support this authentication process. Meanwhile, Zonal Railways across the country have received directives to establish clear operational guidelines for seamless implementation of the new system.

Counter Bookings Remain Unchanged

Passengers who prefer traditional booking methods will find no disruption in their experience. The new Aadhaar authentication requirement exclusively applies to digital platforms, while computerized PRS counters will continue operating under existing protocols. Additionally, the current 10-minute restriction preventing authorized agents from booking opening-day reserved tickets will remain in effect.

This strategic move represents Indian Railways’ commitment to modernizing its booking infrastructure while maintaining fair access for genuine passengers. The implementation is expected to significantly reduce fraudulent bookings and create a more equitable reservation system for millions of daily travelers across the nation.