Tatkal Travel May Get Easier As Railways Mulls Multiple ID Options
Indian Railways is considering allowing more identity documents for IRCTC authentication beyond Aadhaar, in a move to make Tatkal ticket booking smoother. The documents, if stored in DigiLocker, could include PAN, driving licence, and voter ID. The decision comes as the deadline nears for users to link Aadhaar with their IRCTC accounts, set to take effect on July 1.
Sources have indicated that the new authentication options may be introduced through the DigiLocker platform, which securely stores users’ government-issued digital documents. The addition of PAN cards, voter IDs, and driving licences could offer more flexibility to millions of passengers, especially those without Aadhaar or facing delays in digital linking. This may particularly benefit older users and those from rural areas with limited Aadhaar integration.
Around 2.2 lakh passengers book Tatkal tickets daily via the IRCTC platform. The Tatkal system, designed for urgent travel bookings, often faces user dropouts or failed transactions due to document verification issues. Railways hopes that by allowing multiple document options for authentication, more passengers will be able to successfully book their tickets without technical setbacks, especially during high-demand travel periods and emergency trips.
The Ministry of Railways had recently advised all IRCTC users to link their Aadhaar by July 1 to avoid disruptions. However, the move raised concerns among passengers about digital exclusivity and limited ID acceptance. In response, officials are reportedly planning an update that will broaden the scope of valid identity documents, ensuring both compliance with security protocols and user convenience across the booking platform.
If implemented, the expanded list of ID options could significantly enhance accessibility and user experience on IRCTC’s digital platforms. The railway booking system would also align better with national digital policies that promote document portability and multi-ID usage. Authorities are expected to announce formal guidelines by Monday. Until then, passengers are advised to keep their Aadhaar-linked accounts active to avoid disruptions in Tatkal ticketing.
As the July 1 Aadhaar deadline approaches, Indian Railways is working to offer flexibility in Tatkal ticket authentication. The potential inclusion of more IDs through DigiLocker reflects a user-friendly shift that balances digital security and accessibility. A final update is expected soon, promising smoother bookings and fewer disruptions for millions of daily travellers relying on IRCTC’s fast-ticketing system.
