Indian Railways has introduced new Tatkal ticket booking procedures from August 1, 2026, bringing changes to both reservation counters and online bookings. The measures are aimed at making last-minute train reservations more organised and reducing overcrowding at counters.
Under the new system, passengers visiting Passenger Reservation System counters receive a numbered token that determines their place in the queue. For AC bookings, tokens are issued between 8:30 am and 9:30 am, while non-AC passengers can collect them between 9 am and 9:30 am.
Counter bookings are divided into Category A and Category B, with Category A passengers receiving priority. Category B passengers must carry an Aadhaar card or another valid photo identity document accepted by the Railways.
For online Tatkal bookings through the IRCTC website or app, Aadhaar authentication remains mandatory. Passengers must also complete OTP verification using their registered mobile number.
Authorised agents cannot book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window, covering 10 am to 10:30 am for AC classes and 11 am to 11:30 am for non-AC classes.
