An OTP-based authentication system for booking Tatkal quota tickets in select trains run by Central Railway (CR) will be introduced from December 6 to ensure that only genuine passengers can use the booking facility, officials said on Wednesday.
The new system will apply to Tatkal tickets booked through the Computerized Passenger Reservation System (PRS), authorized agents and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or mobile application, the CR said in a report.
As part of this procedure, the passenger will receive a one-time password (OTP) to the mobile number provided at the time of booking, and the ticket will only be issued after successful verification of the OTP. The move aims to increase transparency, curb abuse and ensure genuine passengers use Tatkal quotas, the company said.
The facility will be implemented for 13 trains from December 6, including Duronto and Vande Bharat services, while for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT)-Hazrat Nizamuddin Rajdhani Express, it will be effective from December 5.
The system is already in place for the Pune-Hyderabad Shatabdi Express from December 1, the release added. Central Railway has advised passengers to mention correct mobile number while booking Tatkal to avoid inconvenience.
