The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is set to implement new rules for online ticket booking starting October 1st. These changes are aimed at curbing the misuse of the booking system by touts and improving the overall experience for genuine passengers. If you're a regular train traveler or plan to book tickets online, it's crucial to understand these updates to avoid any last-minute hassles.
The core of the new regulations revolves around enhanced verification processes, particularly for mobile numbers and Aadhaar. Here's a breakdown of the key changes:
1. Mandatory Mobile and Aadhaar Verification for New Users
From October 1st, all new users registering on the IRCTC portal will be required to verify their mobile numbers and, in some cases, their Aadhaar numbers before they can book tickets.
* Mobile Verification: Every new account will necessitate a one-time verification of the registered mobile number through an OTP (One-Time Password) sent to that number. This is a standard security measure designed to ensure the authenticity of the user.
* Aadhaar Verification (for higher booking limits): For users who wish to book more than 6 tickets in a month, Aadhaar verification will become mandatory. Previously, users could book up to 12 tickets by linking their Aadhaar. The new rules might make this a more stringent requirement for all bookings beyond a certain threshold. The aim is to link individual identities to booking accounts, making it harder for touts to create multiple fake accounts.
2. Enhanced Verification for Existing Users
Even if you're an existing IRCTC user, you might be prompted for verification, especially if your account activity triggers suspicion or if you haven't completed these steps previously. It's advisable for all users to ensure their mobile numbers are updated and verified on their IRCTC profile.
3. Limits on Number of Bookings
The existing limits on the number of tickets that can be booked per month are likely to be strictly enforced and potentially adjusted.
* Without Aadhaar: Users who have not linked their Aadhaar will generally be limited to booking a maximum of 6 tickets per month.
* With Aadhaar: Users whose Aadhaar has been verified will be allowed to book up to 12 tickets per month.
These limits are designed to prevent commercial booking activities by individuals or small groups who might otherwise monopolize popular routes and dates.
4. Impact on Tatkal and Special Quota Bookings
The new verification processes are expected to significantly impact Tatkal and other special quota bookings, where tickets sell out within minutes. By requiring more robust user authentication, IRCTC aims to:
* Reduce Touts' Advantage: Make it significantly harder for touts to use automated software or multiple accounts to book tickets faster than genuine passengers.
* Increase Availability: Improve the chances for genuine passengers to secure tickets during high-demand periods.
Why These Changes?
The primary motivation behind these new rules is to combat the persistent problem of touting. Touts often use multiple fake accounts and sophisticated software to book a large number of tickets, which they then sell at inflated prices, causing inconvenience and financial loss to genuine travelers. By making verification more rigorous and linking bookings to individual identities, IRCTC hopes to create a fairer and more transparent booking system.
What You Should Do Now:
* Verify Your Mobile Number: If you haven't already, ensure your mobile number is verified on your IRCTC account.
* Link Your Aadhaar (if needed): If you frequently book more than 6 tickets a month, proactively link and verify your Aadhaar with your IRCTC account.
* Update Personal Information: Make sure all your personal details, including your email ID, are current and accurate on your IRCTC profile.
These upcoming changes signal IRCTC's commitment to enhancing security and fairness in online ticket booking. By taking a few simple steps now, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free booking experience post-October 1st.
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