What is the Advance Reservation Period (ARP)?
The ARP is the timeframe in which train tickets can be reserved in advance. Demand tends to peak on the opening day, particularly for long-distance and popular routes.
How does the new system work?
On the first day of ARP, only users who have authenticated their Aadhaar can book general reserved tickets online through the IRCTC website or app.
These users will have exclusive access from 8 am to midnight that day.
Users without Aadhaar can still reserve tickets online starting the next day, depending on availability.
Does this affect Tatkal or offline bookings?
This regulation applies solely to online bookings for general reserved tickets on the first day of ARP.
Bookings at PRS counters at railway stations remain unchanged and can be made with valid ID.
Previously, Tatkal bookings were already restricted to Aadhaar-authenticated users.
Why has Railways introduced this change?
Railway officials indicate that this policy aims to prevent misuse by agents and automated booking tools, which frequently secure seats within minutes of ticket availability.
Aadhaar authentication is meant to prioritize legitimate individual passengers during peak booking times.
What passengers should do?
Passengers who usually book tickets as soon as reservations open are encouraged to link and authenticate their Aadhaar with their IRCTC account to ensure a smooth experience under the new regulation.
