NewDelhi| 22nd November 2025:
Indian Railways has announced significant changes in the timings & rules of train ticket booking. Aimed at improving transparency and making the booking system more secure, these new regulations will come into effect from November 21. IRCTC’s online booking platform will now follow a revised schedule along with stricter verification procedures.
New Booking Timings Announced.
Under the new system, online train ticket booking will only be allowed between 8 AM 11 PM.
Railways stated that this fixed window will reduce unnecessary server load, which often caused technical glitches during late-night bookings.
Aadhaar Verification Made Mandatory.
For bookings made between 8 AM and 10 AM, Aadhaar-based verification will be compulsory.
This is the peak booking period when misuse by agents and automated bots is most common.
Passengers must ensure that their IRCTC account is linked with Aadhaar & verified through mobile OTP.
Stricter Rules for Tatkal Tickets.
The first 15 minutes of Tatkal booking will now be exclusive for passengers whose IRCTC accounts are Aadhaar-linked.
Tatkal booking will also require OTP-based verification.
Railways aims to curb ticket hoarding, bot-based reservations and black marketing through this step.
PRS System Upgrade Schedule.
The Passenger Reservation System (PRS) will undergo an upgrade from November 14 to 21.
During this period, ticket booking and related services will remain suspended from 11:30 PM to 5:30 AM daily.
However, this restriction does not apply to station booking counters (PRS counters), which will continue operating normally.
How Passengers Will Benefit.
Increased transparency in ticket booking.
Reduction in fake accounts and bot-based reservations.
Better server stabilityc& fewer technical issues.
Easier & fairer access to Tatkal tickets.
A more secure & streamlined booking experience.
Railways has advised passengers to link their Aadhaar with their IRCTC account well in advance to avoid any difficulties once the new system becomes active.
