Indian Railways has taken a significant step to boost transparency in ticket booking and clamp down on touts. The national transporter introduced an OTP-based ticketing system in 300 major trains across the country. This new arrangement started functioning from Monday.
How the OTP System Works
Under the new system, tickets for these trains will not be issued without OTP verification. This makes the booking process more secure and passenger-centric. The OTP-based ticketing system covers both online ticket bookings and counter tickets.
Premium Trains Included
The system applies to premium trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto Express services. Passengers booking tickets at railway counters must now provide a valid mobile number. An OTP is sent to this number, and tickets are issued only after the OTP is entered or shared at the counter.
Railway officials believe this measure will effectively curb fake bookings. It will also prevent multiple ticket purchases by a single individual and stop the involvement of unauthorised agents. This makes ticketing more convenient and secure for passengers.
Phased Rollout Plan
North Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer Shashikant Tripathi explained the rollout strategy. He said the OTP-based ticketing system is being implemented in a phased manner. In the first phase, 300 trains across the country were brought under the system.
If the results are positive, the system will be gradually extended to all trains, Tripathi stated. He added that Aadhaar-verified ID provisions are already in place for online bookings. This further helps prevent fraud.
Prayagraj Implementation
In Prayagraj, the OTP system was already implemented for counter ticket bookings in premium trains. This local adoption aligns with the national initiative to enhance ticketing security.
Train Operations Adjusted for Magh Mela
Meanwhile, Indian Railways made changes in train operations due to the ongoing Magh Mela. The heavy rush of devotees prompted adjustments to ease congestion at Prayagraj Junction.
The Prayagraj Express and Lalgarh Express are already operating from Subedarganj railway station instead of Prayagraj Junction. From Tuesday, the Prayagraj–New Delhi Humsafar Express (12275) will also operate from Subedarganj railway station.
This train previously departed from Prayagraj Junction at 10.30 pm. It will now leave Subedarganj at 12.30 am. Similarly, the Prayagraj–Anand Vihar Terminal Humsafar Express (22437) will depart from Subedarganj at 12.30 am instead of 10.35 pm.
These operational changes aim to manage the increased passenger flow during the Magh Mela period. They ensure smoother travel for devotees and regular passengers alike.
