In a significant move to enhance transparency and combat unauthorized bookings, the Western Railway has announced the expansion of its OTP-based tatkal ticket system. Following a successful pilot project, the new measure will now cover four more premium trains originating from or connected to Ahmedabad, starting this Friday.
Four Major Trains Get the OTP Shield
The initiative, which was first tested on the Ahmedabad-Mumbai Central Shatabdi Express, has now been extended to a broader network. The four trains included in this expansion are the Ahmedabad-New Delhi Swarn Jayanti Rajdhani Express (12957), the Ahmedabad-Pune Duronto Express (12297), the Ahmedabad-Jodhpur Vande Bharat Express (12462), and the Hapa-Mumbai Central Duronto Express (12268/12267). This selection covers some of the most high-demand and prestigious routes operated by the zone.
How the New OTP Verification Works
Under this revamped system, the process of securing a last-minute tatkal ticket will now include an essential security step. Railway officials confirmed that tatkal tickets will only be issued after the passenger successfully verifies a one-time password (OTP). This OTP will be sent to the mobile number provided by the passenger at the time of booking.
The critical aspect of this rollout is its universal application. The OTP verification mandate will be enforced across all booking channels without exception. This includes transactions made at computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters, through authorized travel agents, and on the IRCTC website and mobile application. This blanket coverage is designed to close any potential loopholes for malpractice.
Aim: Curbing Malpractice & Boosting Efficiency
The primary driver behind this technological intervention is to tackle the long-standing issue of touts and automated bots cornering tatkal tickets, which often leaves genuine passengers empty-handed. By linking the booking to a mobile number and requiring real-time authentication, the railways aim to significantly reduce fraudulent bookings and make the allocation process more equitable and transparent.
Officials stated that this initiative is fully aligned with the broader guidelines set by the Railway Board. They expressed confidence that the OTP step will not only deter unauthorized purchases but also streamline the overall tatkal booking process, making it more efficient and passenger-friendly. For travelers, the key requirement is simple: ensure a valid and accessible mobile number is provided during the booking to receive and enter the OTP for final confirmation.
The expansion marks a proactive step by the Western Railway to leverage technology for fairer ticket distribution, and its success on these four trains could pave the way for a wider implementation across the Indian Railways network in the future.
