Aadhaar authentication mandatory for first 15 minutes of IRCTC ticket booking from October 1
New Delhi: In a bid to curb fraudulent bookings, Indian Railways has announced that starting October 1, 2025, only Aadhaar-authenticated user IDs will be allowed to book general reserved tickets through the IRCTC website and app during the first 15 minutes of the reservation window.
“With a view to ensure that the benefits of the reservation system reach the common end user and are not misused by unscrupulous elements, it has been decided that, with effect from October 1, during the first 15 minutes of the opening of general reservation, reserved general tickets can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) or its app only by Aadhaar-authenticated users,” the Ministry of Railways said in a circular issued on Monday.
The ministry clarified that the existing schedule for booking general reserved tickets at Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters remains unchanged. “There shall also be no change in the 10-minute restriction at the opening of general reservation during which authorised ticketing agents of Indian Railways are not allowed to book opening-day reserved tickets,” the circular added.
The latest rule follows closely after Indian Railways made Aadhaar authentication compulsory for Tatkal ticket bookings, effective July 1, 2025. Under this directive, passengers must complete Aadhaar verification to book Tatkal tickets exclusively via IRCTC’s website or mobile application.
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Renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai passes away at 83
New Delhi (PTI): Raghu Rai, one of India's best known photographers whose lens captured India in its many shades, died at a private hospital here in the early hours of Sunday. He was 83.
“Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago but he was cured. Then it spread to the stomach, that too was cured. Recently the cancer spread to his brain and then there were age related issues too,” Nitin Rai, photographer and Rai’s son, told PTI.
He is survived by wife Gurmeet, son Nitin and daughters Lagan, Avani and Purvai.
The last rites will be performed at Lodhi Crematorium at 4pm on Sunday.
