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Indian Railways has made OTP mandatory for Tatkal ticket booking in trains 11029, 11055, 11061, 11025 and 12157 to increase transparency and stop touts. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number given by the passenger at the time of booking. The ticket will be issued only after entering the correct OTP. If OTP is not entered or is entered incorrectly, the ticket will not be available.
Mumbai. Indian Railways is introducing a new system in five trains to increase transparency in Tatkal ticket booking and prevent misuse. To avail Tatkal tickets, OTP (One Time Password) based verification will be required. This system is being implemented in phases. This change will be implemented in 5 more trains of Central Railway from December 19, 2025. If you go to make a reservation, definitely keep your mobile with you.
Under this new system, Tatkal ticket booking will be done through computerized PRS counter, authorized agents and IRCTC website and app. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number given by the passenger at the time of booking. The ticket will be issued only after entering the correct OTP. If OTP is not entered or is entered incorrectly, the ticket will not be available. Railways says that this step has been taken to prevent misuse of Tatkal quota.
which are the trains
11029 Mumbai CSMT – Kolhapur Koyna Express, 11055 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus – Gonda Godan Express, 11061 Lokmanya Tilak Terminus – Jaynagar Express, 11025 Pune – Amravati Express.
And 12157 Pune – Solapur Hutatma Express.
What suggestion has been given to the Railways?
Many times, as soon as the booking starts, brokers and touts immediately grab the tickets and sell them at higher prices. Only the genuine passenger will get the ticket through OTP system. This will increase transparency and common people will be able to get tickets easily. Central Railway has appealed to the passengers to provide their correct mobile number at the time of Tatkal booking. Under this new system, Tatkal ticket booking will be done through computerized PRS counter, authorized agents and IRCTC website/app. An OTP will be sent to the mobile number given by the passenger at the time of booking. The ticket will be issued only after entering the correct OTP. If OTP is not entered or is entered incorrectly, the ticket will not be available. Railways says that this step has been taken to stop misuse of Tatkal quota. If the number is wrong or the mobile is not with you, then there will be trouble. Therefore, check the mobile number before booking.
This system was first implemented in some trains and now it is being extended to more trains. Railways aims to implement this rule in all major trains soon. This will curb black marketing of Tatkal tickets. Passengers should be careful while booking on IRCTC app or website. If any problem arises then contact railway helpline 139. This rule has been implemented in many trains in the past.
