To enhance passenger convenience and reduce last-minute booking issues, Indian Railways has introduced major changes to the Tatkal ticket booking system. These new rules, effective from April 2025, aim to make the ticket booking process more transparent, prevent misuse, and ensure that genuine passengers can get confirmed tickets easily.
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What is Tatkal Ticket?
Tatkal is a special ticket booking scheme offered by Indian Railways that allows passengers to book tickets on short notice. It is mainly designed for emergency or sudden travel. However, due to limited seats and high demand, these tickets often get booked quickly.
What Has Changed in 2025?
1. Dynamic Pricing Introduced
Tatkal ticket prices will no longer be fixed. The fare will vary depending on demand and the time of booking.
2. Aadhaar-Based Booking Mandatory
For online Tatkal bookings, Aadhaar-based verification is now mandatory. This will help stop fake bookings.
3. New Booking Timings
Tatkal booking slots will now be category-specific:
| Category | Booking Time |
|---|---|
| AC Coaches | 1 day before travel |
| Non-AC Coaches | 1 day before travel |
| Premium Tatkal (AC) | 1 day before travel |
| Premium Tatkal (Sleeper) | 1 day before travel |
| Women & Senior Citizen Quota | As per category timing |
| Agent Booking | After 12:15 PM |
4. Control on Agent Booking
IRCTC-authorised agents are not allowed to book Tatkal tickets for the first 15 minutes after booking opens. Violating this rule can lead to a penalty of ₹10,000.
2025 New Fare Structure (Including Tatkal Charges)
| Coach Category | Base Fare | Tatkal Charges | Maximum Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sleeper (SL) | ₹400 | ₹100 – ₹200 | ₹600 |
| 3AC | ₹1,000 | ₹300 – ₹400 | ₹1,400 |
| 2AC | ₹1,500 | ₹400 – ₹500 | ₹2,000 |
| Chair Car (CC) | ₹700 | ₹125 – ₹200 | ₹900 |
| Executive/1st AC | Not Applicable | – | – |
New Refund and Cancellation Rules (From April 2025)
- No refund for confirmed Tatkal tickets.
- 50% refund on waiting tickets after chart preparation.
- Partial or full refund possible in emergencies with medical proof.
- Last time to cancel ticket: 30 minutes before departure
| Ticket Type | Cancellation Time | Refund Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Confirmed Tatkal | Anytime | No Refund |
| Waiting Ticket (Before Chart) | Yes | Full Refund |
| Waiting Ticket (After Chart) | Yes | 50% Refund |
| Emergency Case | With Medical Certificate | Up to 100% (case-dependent) |
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Documents Required for Booking
Now, Aadhaar-based verification is mandatory. Passengers must carry the same ID used at the time of booking during their journey.
Valid ID Proofs:
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for online booking)
- Voter ID
- Passport
- PAN Card
- Driving Licence