Passengers will not be able to get Tatkal tickets without verifying their identity through an OTP sent to their mobile, media reported citing railway authorities.

Tatkal bookings can still be made through IRCTC’s official website, the mobile app, and at Indian Railways PRS counters, but the booking will only be confirmed once OTP authentication is completed.

Passengers must ensure they carry a mobile phone with a SIM linked to their Aadhaar number and that their IRCTC profile is already connected to their Aadhaar to avoid any last-minute issues.

Even authorised agents will only be able to book Tatkal tickets after completing the Aadhaar OTP process, Singhal added.

To prevent misuse of the Tatkal system, the Railways has also blocked bulk bookings during the first 30 minutes of the Tatkal booking window.

This restriction applies from 10:00 am to 10:30 am for AC classes and from 11:00 am to 11:30 am for non-AC classes, during which IRCTC and authorised agents will not be allowed to book tickets.

Railway authorities have urged all passengers to link their Aadhaar with their booking profiles well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

If you're booking a last-minute train, ensure both your Aadhaar and mobile number are ready, or you might miss out.