Starting October 1, only Aadhaar-authenticated users will be permitted to book reserved general rail tickets via the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or app during the first 15 minutes of the ticket booking window for any train. Currently, Aadhaar authentication is required solely for Tatkal bookings. Train reservations typically open 60 days prior to their scheduled departure.
This new regulation aims to deter misuse by individuals attempting to reserve tickets immediately upon the opening of bookings. It has been observed that on heavily trafficked routes and for popular trains, most tickets are often purchased within the first 10 minutes of availability.
In a circular issued by the railway ministry, it was stated, “With a view to ensuring that the benefits of the reservation system reach the common end user and are not misused by unscrupulous elements, it has been decided that with effect from October 1, 2025, during the first 15 minutes of the opening of general reservation, reserved general tickets can be booked through the website of IRCTC/its app only by Aadhaar-authenticated users.”
Following this initial 15-minute period, authorized ticket agents will be allowed to make online reservations. The process and timing for booking general reserved tickets through the computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters of Indian Railways will remain unchanged.
Officials noted that a similar restriction had previously been implemented for agents during Tatkal bookings, and the positive outcomes of that policy contributed to the decision to extend it to general bookings.
