Those booking Tatkal tickets should note that Railways has changed the rules, now entry in the train will not be allowed without OTP.

News India Live, Digital Desk: We all know that in India Tatkal ticket Booking is no less than fighting a war. At 10 or 11 in the morning, we sit down with our laptops and mobiles, but in the blink of an eye all the seats get filled. We think, “Man, I clicked so quickly, how come I didn’t get the ticket?”

the answer was often Agents and their software.

but now, Indian Railways has used such a hammer which is going to break the backs of the brokers and the chances of the common man to get a confirmed seat are going to increase. From December 1, Railways has implemented a new and strict rule for Tatkal booking.

Let us understand in simple language what this change is and what things you need to keep in mind while booking tickets next time.

Now no tickets without OTP! (OTP is Mandatory)

What used to happen till now? Whether booking online through IRCTC or through the window, the booking was done as soon as the details were entered. But according to the new rules, now OTP Verification (One Time Password) has been made mandatory.

1. Applicable everywhere: This rule will not only apply to online apps but also to railway station counters and authorized agents.
2. Process: As soon as you (or the counter clerk) fill in the passenger’s details and ‘Book’, an OTP will be sent to the passenger’s registered mobile number. Unless this code is entered into the system, the ticket will not be generated.

Why did this rule come? (Game Changer Decision)

Railways took this decision “Genuine Passengers” Took to save.
Actually, brokers used to book hundreds of tickets in seconds using high-speed software (Bots). There was no hassle of OTP in this, hence their work was easy. But now when you will have to wait for OTP on every booking, the automatic software will fail.

This may cause a delay of a few seconds in ticket booking, but it will be confirmed that the ticket has been booked by a human being and not by a machine.

Start of pilot project

According to reports, this rule has been started by Western Railways as a pilot project with some special trains (like Mumbai-Ahmedabad Shatabdi 12009/12010). If it is successful (which is our hope), it will be implemented in every train in the country.

What do you have to do? (advice for travelers)

After this new rule, now you have to be a little cautious while booking tickets:

• Carry your mobile: Whenever you book a Tatkal ticket, carry with you the phone number whose number you have given in the form.
• Check Network: Booking starts at 10 am (AC) and 11 am (Sleeper). Make sure your phone has network so that the SMS arrives immediately.
• When collecting from the agent: If you are booking tickets through an agent, keep your phone close and inform him as soon as the OTP comes.