Western Railway has announced a key change to the Tatkal ticket booking process, introducing mandatory OTP-based authentication to curb misuse and improve access for genuine passengers. The move follows guidelines issued by the Railway Board and is aimed at bringing more transparency to last-minute bookings.
Under the revised system, Tatkal tickets will be issued only after successful verification of a system-generated One Time Password (OTP). The OTP will be sent to the mobile number provided by the passenger at the time of booking, and ticket confirmation will be completed only after authentication.
OTP-based Tatkal system extended to more trains
As per a press release issued by the Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, Vineet Abhishek, the OTP-based Tatkal booking system was already operational on 21 Western Railway-originating trains. The system has now been extended to four additional trains with effect from December 24, 2025.
The trains covered under the latest expansion are Train No. 14702 Bandra Terminus–Shri Ganganagar Express, Train No. 19037 Bandra Terminus–Barauni Express, Train No. 19483 Ahmedabad–Saharsa Express, and Train No. 22956 Bhuj–Bandra Terminus Express.
Applicable across counters, agents and IRCTC platforms
The OTP-based authentication will apply to Tatkal bookings made through computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters, authorised railway agents, the IRCTC website, and the IRCTC mobile application. Railway officials said the change is intended to discourage bulk or automated bookings and ensure fair access to Tatkal tickets.
Passengers have been advised to provide a valid and active mobile number while booking Tatkal tickets to avoid issues during OTP verification. Western Railway has urged travellers to take note of the revised process to ensure a smooth booking experience going forward.