Is Aadhaar OTP Verification Now Available for Online Tatkal Booking in 322 Trains?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Discover how Aadhaar-based OTP verification is enhancing the online Tatkal ticket booking experience. With the rollout in 322 trains, availability has surged by 65%. Learn about the measures taken to secure user accounts and combat fraudulent activities.
Key Takeaways
- Aadhaar-based OTP verification enhances security for online Tatkal bookings.
- Implementation spans 322 trains to improve ticket availability.
- Confirmed Tatkal ticket availability has surged by 65%.
- Over 3 crore fraudulent user IDs have been deactivated.
- Robust cybersecurity measures are in place to protect the system.
New Delhi, Dec 11 (NationPress) In an effort to combat misuse and enhance fairness, Aadhaar-based OTP verification for online Tatkal ticket bookings has been launched across 322 trains. This initiative has resulted in a significant 65 percent increase in confirmed Tatkal ticket availability for these services, as reported in Parliament on Thursday.
Additionally, the phased introduction of Aadhaar-based OTP for Tatkal bookings at reservation counters has been completed for 211 trains (as of December 4). Consequently, the availability of confirmed Tatkal tickets has improved in approximately 95 percent of the 96 most frequented trains, as stated by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written response to the Lok Sabha.
The Minister also disclosed that extensive revalidation and verification of user accounts have been carried out.
“Since January 2025, around 3.02 crore questionable user IDs have been deactivated. Anti-bot measures such as AKAMAI have been implemented to filter out fraudulent users and ensure a seamless booking experience for genuine passengers,” he added.
Complaints regarding suspiciously booked PNRs have been submitted to the National Cyber Crime Portal, according to the Minister.
Vaishnaw informed that multiple security layers, including network firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, application delivery controllers, and web application firewalls, are employed to protect the system from cyber threats.
The system operates from a dedicated, access-controlled data center, secured through CCTV surveillance and end-to-end encryption. This data center is certified under ISO 27001 Information Security Management System (ISMS) standards.
“To bolster its cyber security framework, RailTel Corporation of India Ltd. offers extensive cyber threat intelligence services. These include take-down services, threat monitoring, deep web surveillance, and digital risk protection, providing actionable insights into emerging cyber threats and enhancing incident response,” the Minister said.
Regular security audits of the reservation system are conducted by CERT-In-empanelled Information Security Audit Agencies.
Additionally, internet traffic related to the ticketing system is continually monitored by CERT-In and the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) to identify and thwart cyberattacks.
Point of View
This initiative demonstrates a proactive approach by the Railways in enhancing the integrity of the ticketing process while ensuring that genuine passengers have better access to services. Such measures are crucial in maintaining public trust and improving user experiences across the board.
NationPress
11/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aadhaar-based OTP verification?
Aadhaar-based OTP verification is a security measure that uses a one-time password sent to the mobile number linked to an Aadhaar ID, ensuring that only the rightful owner can complete the booking.
How many trains are implementing this verification method?
Currently, Aadhaar-based OTP verification has been rolled out in 322 trains for online Tatkal bookings and 211 trains at reservation counters.
What measures are in place to combat fraudulent activities?
Over 3 crore suspicious user accounts have been deactivated, and anti-bot solutions like AKAMAI are used to filter out non-genuine users.
How does this affect the availability of Tatkal tickets?
The implementation of Aadhaar OTP verification has led to a 65% increase in the availability of confirmed Tatkal tickets in the impacted trains.
What security measures protect the ticketing system?
The system is protected by multiple layers including firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, and is monitored by CERT-In to prevent cyberattacks.
