New Delhi, Sep 15: Starting October 1, the Railway Ministry will allow only Aadhaar-authenticated passengers to book general reserved tickets online through the IRCTC website or mobile app during the first 15 minutes after booking opens for any train. Until now, this restriction was applicable only to Tatkal bookings.
According to a ministry circular, the measure is intended to ensure that the benefits of the reservation system reach genuine passengers and are not exploited by touts or unscrupulous elements. “With effect from 1.10.2025, during the first 15 minutes of opening of general reservation, reserved general tickets can be booked online only by Aadhaar authenticated users,” the circular stated.
After the initial 15 minutes, authorised ticket agents will also be permitted to book online reservations. However, there will be no change in the booking process through PRS counters, where the existing restriction of 10 minutes for agents remains in force.
Officials explained that the rule mirrors the restriction already in place for Tatkal tickets, where Aadhaar authentication was made mandatory during the initial booking window. “Considering the benefits of the earlier order, we have now decided to extend this facility to general reservation bookings as well,” a ministry official said.
For instance, if a train’s booking opens at 10 am on October 1, only Aadhaar-authenticated users will be able to book general reserved tickets online until 10:15 am, after which all authorised agents can access the system.
The ministry has directed CRIS and IRCTC to update their systems accordingly and notify all zonal railways of the change.