In a significant move that will impact millions of daily commuters, Indian Railways has made Aadhaar verification compulsory for booking train tickets through the IRCTC portal. This major policy shift aims to streamline the reservation process and curb fraudulent activities.
What This Means for Passengers
The new mandate requires all passengers to link their Aadhaar card with their IRCTC account before proceeding with any ticket reservations. This verification process will be implemented across all booking channels, including the official website, mobile application, and reservation counters.
Key Changes in the Booking Process
- Aadhaar linkage mandatory for all IRCTC accounts
- Real-time verification during ticket booking
- Enhanced security measures to prevent ticket touting
- Streamlined authentication for faster processing
Implementation Timeline and Exceptions
While the policy has been officially announced, Indian Railways is expected to provide a grace period for existing users to update their profiles with Aadhaar details. Special provisions may be made for foreign tourists and other passengers who don't possess Aadhaar cards, though specific alternative verification methods are yet to be detailed.
Benefits of the New System
The railway ministry emphasizes that this move will significantly reduce malpractices in ticket reservation and ensure that genuine passengers have better access to tickets. The automated verification process is also expected to speed up booking procedures and enhance overall user experience.
Steps to Update Your IRCTC Account
- Log into your IRCTC account
- Navigate to the profile section
- Click on Aadhaar verification
- Enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number
- Complete the OTP verification process
Passengers are advised to complete this process at the earliest to avoid any last-minute hassles during their travel planning. The Indian Railways continues to modernize its digital infrastructure, with Aadhaar integration being the latest step toward a more efficient and secure reservation ecosystem.
