Indian Railways Introduces OTP Based Authentication for Tatkal Ticket Booking in Selected Trains

New Delhi; Indian Railways has announced the introduction of an OTP based authentication system for Tatkal ticket bookings on selected trains of Central Railway, effective from 06 December 2025. The new mechanism aims to enhance transparency, reduce misuse of Tatkal quota, and ensure that genuine passengers receive priority.

The system will apply to Tatkal tickets booked through computerized PRS counters, authorized booking agents, and the IRCTC website or app. Under the updated process, passengers must provide a valid mobile number at the time of booking. An OTP will be sent to this number, and the ticket will be issued only after successful OTP verification.

The new system will be implemented in the following trains from 06 December 2025:

1. 12219 LTT – Secunderabad Duronto Express

2. 12221 Pune – Howrah Duronto Express

3. 12223 LTT – Ernakulam Jn Duronto Express

4. 12261 CSMT – Howrah Duronto Express

5. 12263 Pune – Hazrat Nizamuddin Jn Duronto Express

6. 12289 CSMT – Nagpur Duronto Express

7. 12290 Nagpur – CSMT Duronto Express

8. 12293 LTT – Prayagraj Duronto Express

9. 12298 Pune – Ahmedabad Jn Duronto Express

10. 20101 Nagpur – Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express

11. 20670 Pune – Hubballi Jn Vande Bharat Express

12. 20673 Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus Kolhapur – Pune Vande Bharat Express

13. 20674 Pune – Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus Vande Bharat Express

14. 22221 CSMT Mumbai – Hazrat Nizamuddin Jn Rajdhani Express (effective 05 December 2025)

Indian Railways has also noted that the system is already active for 12025 Pune – Hyderabad Shatabdi Express from 01 December 2025.

Passengers are advised to ensure that the correct mobile number is entered at the time of Tatkal booking to avoid any inconvenience during the authentication process.