Indian Railways Introduces Game-Changing Rule: Only Verified Users Can Secure Tickets in the Crucial First 15 Minutes!

In a significant move aimed at streamlining the ticket booking process and curbing misuse, Indian Railways has rolled out a pivotal new regulation: only users with verified mobile numbers and email IDs will be permitted to book train tickets during the critical first 15 minutes of booking opening.

This change applies across the board, impacting general bookings, Tatkal reservations, and all other categories available via the IRCTC platform.

This strategic decision by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is designed to give genuine passengers a fairer chance at securing seats, especially during periods of high demand.

For years, the initial moments after ticket booking windows open have been a battleground, often exploited by touts and automated systems. By restricting this crucial early access to verified accounts, the Railways hopes to create a more equitable system.

So, what does this mean for you, the passenger? If you plan to book tickets immediately after the booking window opens, whether it's for general reservations or the coveted Tatkal quota, ensuring your IRCTC account is fully verified is now paramount.

The verification process is straightforward: your registered mobile number needs to be authenticated via a One-Time Password (OTP), and your email ID must be confirmed by clicking a link sent to your registered email address.

Here's a breakdown of the new booking window rules:

• For Tatkal Bookings: When Tatkal tickets become available at 08:00 AM (AC classes) or 11:00 AM (Sleeper/Non-AC classes), only verified users can initiate bookings during the first 15 minutes (i.e., until 08:15 AM for AC and 11:15 AM for Non-AC).
• For General Bookings: Similarly, for regular train tickets, if bookings open at 10:00 AM for a particular train, only verified users can book until 10:15 AM.

  The same applies to other general booking slots, such as those opening at 11:00 AM, where the verified-user-only window extends until 11:15 AM.

Unverified users will find themselves unable to proceed with bookings during these initial 15-minute windows. They will have to wait until the exclusive period for verified users concludes before they can attempt to reserve their seats.

This effectively prioritizes those who have completed the necessary verification steps, reinforcing the authenticity of the booking system.

This rule also carries significant implications for travel agents. While agents are typically restricted from booking Tatkal tickets in the very first hour of availability (10:00 AM to 11:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM for non-AC classes), this new verification layer further tightens controls, ensuring that the initial rush is truly reserved for individual, verified passengers.

The overarching goal is to stamp out unauthorized booking practices and ensure that the convenience of online booking translates into genuine availability for all.

In essence, Indian Railways is making a clear statement: integrity and fairness are at the forefront of its online ticketing operations.

Passengers are strongly advised to complete their mobile and email verification well in advance to avoid any last-minute hurdles and ensure a smooth booking experience, especially when time is of the essence.