Aadhaar Mandatory for Online Train Ticket Bookings in First 15 Minutes from October 1

Fast Summary:

• Policy Update: From October 1, Indian Railways will require Aadhaar authentication for users booking reserved general tickets during the first 15 minutes of reservation opening.
• Platforms Impacted: Affected bookings can be made through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website and app.
• No Change in Counters/Agent Timings: The timings for booking tickets at computerised Passenger Reservation System counters remain unchanged. Additionally, authorized ticketing agents will still face a restriction during the first 10 minutes of reservation opening.

Indian Opinion Analysis:

Indian Railways’ decision to implement Aadhaar verification for initial online ticket bookings aims to curb misuse by fraudulent parties during high-demand periods. While this step enhances security and openness, it also underscores India’s increasing reliance on Aadhaar as a centralized identification mechanism across service sectors. By ensuring that offline counter timings stay unaffected, the policy maintains accessibility for those less adept with digital platforms. However, challenges could arise if technical hiccups or system overload hamper smooth functioning during peak hours-a point worth monitoring closely once implemented.

Read more: The Hindu