The ticket window has opened to go home by train on Chhath-Dussehra-Diwali. Now, only a few days are left for these big festivals. In such a situation, lakhs of people across the country stay away from their homes in connection with their jobs or studies. We are preparing to return for these festivals.

The earlier 120-day opportunity to book tickets (IRCTC Ticket Booking) has now been reduced to 60 days under the new rule. At the same time, Indian Railways has made a big change in the Tatkal ticket booking rules for the convenience of passengers and to bring transparency in the ticket booking process.

Aadhaar authentication has been made mandatory for Tatkal ticket booking from 1 July 2025. Railways say that this step has been taken to stop fake booking and brokers.

Despite this, people are facing problems, and while booking tickets, 'Regrate' is being written. In such a situation, now people have the support of the Tatkal ticket. Indian Railways has made a big change in the Tatkal ticket booking rules for the convenience of passengers and to bring transparency in the ticketing process. So let's know how to book Tatkal tickets so that you can get confirmed tickets for Chhath, Dussehra, and Diwali.

When will Tatkal tickets open?

Railways has clarified that Tatkal ticket booking can be done only a day before the journey. Booking for the AC coach will start from 10 am. At the same time, booking for non-AC will be from 11 am.

How to book?

The passenger has to log in to the IRCTC portal or mobile app. After this, it will be mandatory to do Aadhaar authentication through travel information, passenger details, and OTP received on mobile. A maximum of four passengers can be added to one booking. Tickets will be confirmed only after Aadhaar verification is complete.

Cancellation and refund rules

Confirmed Tatkal tickets can be cancelled up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time of the train, but no refund will be given under any circumstances. Refund will be given on RAC and waiting tickets as per the general railway rules.

On the other hand, if the passenger is unable to travel after booking the ticket and the ticket is in waiting or RAC, then he will get the money back.

Why is Aadhaar verification necessary?

According to the railways, Tatkal tickets are in the highest demand and often brokers book tickets in large numbers, causing problems to common passengers. After Aadhaar verification is implemented, only those passengers will be able to book tickets who have a valid Aadhaar number and a successful verification. This will make the process more transparent and fair.

Tips for passengers

Keep your Aadhaar details and mobile number ready before the booking time.

Log in immediately at the booking time of 10 am and 11 am, as Tatkal tickets get exhausted in a few minutes.

Plan your journey keeping in mind the new refund rules.

Railway officials believe that these changes will provide faster, safer, and fairer ticket booking experience to passengers.

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.