From today, no train ticket booking between 8AM-4PM without Aadhaar:Rule applies only on first day of opening of booking windows

From Monday, January 5, 2025, the IRCTC users who don’t have their Aadhaar linked with their accounts will not be able to book tickets from 8 AM to 4 PM. This rule will only apply on the first day when reserved rail ticket booking opens. Reserved ticket booking opens 60 days before the train departure date. Railways is implementing this rule in three phases. The first phase was implemented from December 29. The second phase has started from today and the third phase will be implemented from January 12. Preventing bookings from fake accounts is the purpose of this rule The purpose of this is to give maximum passengers the opportunity to book tickets online on opening day and prevent bookings made through fake accounts. Understand the new general reservation ticket booking rules in QA format… Question 1: Why was this rule introduced? Answer: This rule has been introduced to control ticket touts and curtail use of fake software. This will make it easier for common passengers to get confirmed tickets on opening day. It will make it difficult for agents to book tickets during the restricted period. Regular users will have a complete opportunity for booking. Question: What is the role of Aadhaar during ticket booking process? Answer: IRCTC account needs to be linked with Aadhaar. During booking, an OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number, and the ticket will only be booked after entering this OTP. Question 3: If I don’t have Aadhaar, can’t I book tickets? Answer: Users without Aadhaar-linked accounts cannot book tickets during the initial 4 hours (window opening). They will only get a chance after that. Currently, no other alternative has been provided. Question 4: What changes will be there when booking tickets from station counter? Answer: OTP is mandatory at the counter too. Your mobile number should be linked with Aadhaar. If you’re booking for someone else, their Aadhaar and OTP will also be required. Question 5: How to link Aadhaar with IRCTC? Answer: Login to IRCTC app or website. Go to ‘My Profile’ section, select ‘Aadhaar KYC’ option and update the details.
Question 6: Where will you get help if there’s a problem? Answer: Call IRCTC helpline (139) for booking or OTP issues. Contact UIDAI number (1947) for Aadhaar-related problems. You can also seek help from the counter at your nearest railway station. Question 7: Is this rule applicable for the entire country? Answer: Yes, this rule will be implemented across all railway zones in India. Whether it’s Delhi to Mumbai or Chennai, Aadhaar authentication is now mandatory for both online and counter bookings on all routes. Question 8: What is Railways’ 60-day rule? Answer: Earlier you could book tickets 120 days (4 months) before travel, but from November 1, 2024, railways reduced it to 60 days (2 months). This means reservations can be made maximum 60 days before the train departure date. This does not include the day of travel.