In a significant move to ensure fair play and enhance security, the Indian Railways has rolled out a new OTP-based verification system for Tatkal ticket bookings. This initiative, which became operational from Thursday, is designed to block touts and make the booking process more transparent for genuine passengers.
How the New OTP Authentication System Works
The system mandates an extra layer of verification for anyone booking a Tatkal ticket. Whether a passenger uses a digital platform like the IRCTC website or a physical passenger reservation counter (PRS), they must now authenticate their booking using a one-time password (OTP). This OTP is sent to the passenger's mobile number registered with the reservation system.
Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Jyoti Prakash Mishra announced the implementation, which follows directives from the Railway Board. The Samastipur division of the East Central Railway (ECR) is the first to adopt this model, covering approximately 100 long-distance trains that either originate from or pass through its jurisdiction.
A Direct Blow to Unfair Practices
For years, genuine travelers have complained about touts using software and loopholes to hoard Tatkal tickets, only to sell them later at a premium. The new mechanism directly addresses this issue by linking each transaction to a single, verified mobile number.
"This initiative addresses long-standing complaints of unfair practices and ensures genuine passengers get access to Tatkal tickets," stated DRM Mishra. By making it nearly impossible for a single entity to block multiple tickets, the railways aim to level the playing field.
Preparing for a Wider Rollout and Passenger Advisory
The successful implementation in the Samastipur division is seen as a pilot project. Mishra confirmed that this rollout will serve as a model for wider adoption across other railway divisions in the country.
However, for the system to work smoothly, passengers must ensure their contact details are current. "Passengers have been advised to keep their mobile numbers updated in the reservation system to avoid inconvenience," Mishra added. This step is crucial to receive the OTP and complete the booking.
This reform underscores the railways' continued commitment to digitization and passenger-friendly services. It marks another step towards a more secure, transparent, and fair ticket booking experience for millions of Indians.
