In a move aimed at enhancing both passenger convenience and security, Indian Railways has introduced a new system for Tatkal ticket booking. Under the revised rules, passengers booking Tatkal tickets at PRS (Passenger Reservation System) counters will now be required to complete OTP verification using their registered mobile number. The measure is intended to curb fake bookings, misuse of bots, and unauthorised ticket blocking, ensuring genuine passengers get fair access to tickets.
How the New System Will Work
Under the new arrangement, passengers seeking a Tatkal ticket must fill out the reservation form and accurately mention their registered mobile number. Once the form details are entered at the PRS counter, a One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to the passenger’s mobile phone.
The counter staff will enter the OTP into the system, and the ticket will be issued only after successful OTP verification. This ensures that the ticket is issued exclusively to the person whose mobile number is registered and verified.
Enhanced Protection Against Fake Bookings
With this change, fake bookings, bot-driven reservations, and unauthorised agents attempting to block Tatkal tickets will be effectively restricted. The system ensures that only genuine passengers with valid mobile numbers can complete the booking process.
Railway officials stated that the move will bring significant relief to passengers who earlier faced difficulties in securing Tatkal tickets. It will also make PRS counter bookings more transparent, secure, and reliable, while tightening the grip on middlemen and fraudulent practices.
Overall, the new OTP-based verification system marks a significant step by Indian Railways towards fairer access and safer Tatkal ticket bookings for passengers across the country.
