New Delhi: Starting July 1, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for booking tatkal railway tickets, the Indian Railways announced in a statement.

Tatkal bookings will be allowed only through the IRCTC website or mobile app. The move aims to enhance the security of the tatkal booking system and ensure a more user-centric experience, the Railways said.

For those without Aadhaar, tatkal tickets can still be booked at PRS counters or through authorised agents using OTP verification sent to the registered mobile number. This facility will be effective from July 15.

Additionally, authorised agents will not be permitted to book tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes after the booking window opens.

Currently, around 8.4 lakh passengers travel by train across the country every day.