Railways to roll out OTP-based Tatkal window tickets in coming days

Indian Railways has announced the expansion of its OTP-based Tatkal reservation system for tickets booked at reservation counters, aiming to enhance passenger convenience, transparency, and security. The initiative is part of the railways’ ongoing efforts to modernise its reservation process.

The OTP-based system for Tatkal tickets at counters was first piloted on November 17, 2025, and has so far been implemented on 52 trains. Under this system, passengers booking Tatkal tickets at reservation counters provide a mobile number in the reservation form. An OTP is sent to the number, and the ticket is confirmed only after successful verification. The railways plan to extend this system to all remaining trains very soon, likely within early December 2025, ensuring genuine passengers have better access to high-demand Tatkal tickets while curbing misuse.

This move builds on two previous initiatives. In July 2025, Indian Railways introduced Aadhaar-based authentication for online Tatkal bookings to improve security and passenger convenience. Later, in October 2025, an OTP-based online reservation system for all general bookings on the first day of opening was implemented. Both initiatives were widely adopted and proved successful in enhancing transparency and user experience.

Parallel to these reforms, Indian Railways is also revamping its chart preparation process. Currently, charts are prepared four hours before a train’s departure, leaving passengers uncertain about waitlist status until the last moment. The new system, approved by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, will move chart preparation to eight hours prior to departure, allowing passengers, particularly from remote or suburban areas, to make timely alternative travel arrangements. The change will be implemented in phases to avoid disruptions.

While the OTP system is expected to improve fairness, the railways may face challenges including technical glitches, server overloads, delayed OTP delivery, passenger unfamiliarity with the system, and the need for staff training at counters. Mobile verification and data security will also be key considerations to maintain passenger trust.

Overall, these initiatives mark a significant step by Indian Railways towards modernising its ticketing system, preventing fraud, and providing passengers with a more secure and predictable reservation experience.