New IRCTC train ticket rules: From Oct 1, Aadhaar authentication must for first 15 minutes of general tickets booking; what it means

New IRCTC train ticket booking rules 2025: From October 1, 2025, Indian Railways will implement a new policy that requires Aadhaar-based authentication for booking reserved general tickets through IRCTC website or its app for the the initial 15 minutes of reservation opening. This measure aims to ensure genuine users receive the benefits of the reservation system whilst preventing misuse by unauthorised individuals, according to a release by the Ministry of Railways.The existing schedule for booking general reserved tickets at computerised PRS counters of Indian Railways remains unchanged. ALso, the current 10-minute restriction on authorised railway ticketing agents for booking opening day reserved tickets continues to remain in force without any modifications, the ministry's release said.The new rule comes within months of Indian Railways making Aadhaar authentication mandatory for tatkal ticket booking effective July 1.Beginning July 1, 2025, passengers seeking train tickets under the Indian Railways' Tatkal scheme must complete their Aadhaar authentication to book exclusively through the IRCTC website or mobile application.The directive also set specific limitations for authorised ticketing agents of Indian Railways regarding Tatkal bookings.These agents cannot book first-day Tatkal tickets during the opening 30 minutes of bookings. This limitation is effective from 10.00 am to 10.30 am for air-conditioned classes and from 11.00 am to 11.30 am for non-air-conditioned classes.