June 12, 2025 — In a major reform to streamline railway ticket booking and eliminate middlemen, the Indian Railways has announced that Aadhaar verification will be mandatory for Tatkal ticket bookings starting July 1, 2025. The verification process will be implemented via the IRCTC website and mobile app.
From July 15, passengers booking Tatkal tickets will also be required to complete an OTP-based verification using the mobile number linked with their Aadhaar. This step is expected to curb the exploitation of Tatkal quotas by touts and agents and ensure more equitable access for genuine passengers.
Reservation Chart 24 Hours Before Departure
In a related move, the Railways has revised its chart preparation timing. Now, reservation charts will be prepared 24 hours before the train’s departure, giving passengers early clarity on whether their waiting list tickets have been confirmed.Earlier, the final reservation chart was released only 4 hours prior to departure, often leaving passengers uncertain until the last minute. This new rule has already been implemented in the Bikaner division from June 6 and will soon be rolled out across other zones.
Note: This change does not affect Tatkal bookings, which will continue to be issued a day before the journey as per existing procedures.
No Travel in Sleeper/AC Coaches with Waiting List Tickets
As part of a policy overhaul effective May 1, 2025, passengers holding waiting list tickets are now barred from travelling in sleeper or AC coaches. Only general coaches will be accessible to such passengers.Violators will face strict penalties:
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₹440 fine in AC coaches
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₹250 fine in Sleeper coaches
Additionally, the passenger must pay the fare from the train's starting station to the point of inspection.
Auto-Upgrade Now Limited to Two Classes
The auto-upgrade system has also been modified. Previously, passengers with waiting tickets could be upgraded even to First AC (1A) if berths were available. Now, the Railways has capped the upgrade limit to two classes only.For example:
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Sleeper (SL) can be upgraded up to 2AC or 3AC, but not 1AC
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3AC can be upgraded to 1AC, provided the option is selected during booking
The upgrade will only occur if:
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The auto-upgrade option is selected (or left as default “Yes”)
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Seats are available in the next class
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The passenger is eligible, including senior citizens or those requesting a lower berth