Get tickets even before IRCTC agents; Booking Tatkal tickets not a challenge anymore

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Tatkal ticket for train travel is often an arduous task as tickets get sold out just moments after the booking opens. The whole system is getting an overhaul, and tatkal ticket booking will become a lot easier in the coming days.

As of now, people arriving at railway ticket booking counters even during dawn hours are unsure of getting the tickets. Booking through the IRCTC site will also be of no respite, as the site will often be busy. By the time the site opens, the tickets will be sold out!

Tatkal travel has become easier for the common man after Aadhaar was made mandatory for Tatkal from July 1, and a half-hour delay was imposed for agents to book. The Railways have announced that more changes will be made based on the feedback of the passengers.

For booking tickets, the accounts on the IRCTC website and mobile app should be linked with Aadhaar. Options related to Tatkal are readily available in the profile. The procedures are simple enough for each person to do on their own. Tickets can be obtained only if the OTP received on the phone is verified. For booking through the counter, the OTP received on the phone should be shown. Other procedures remain unchanged.

Booking through agents will start after the first 30 minutes. AC Tatkal booking will start at 10 am. Booking for agents is from 10.30 am. Although booking for sleeper coaches starts at 11 am, agents can book from 11:30 am. The changes apply to agent bookings and premium Tatkal, where the OTP received on the applicants' phone numbers must be verified.