Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jan 15: In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency in ticket bookings and clamping down on touts, Indian Railways has rolled out an OTP (One Time Password)-based ticketing system across 300 major trains nationwide.
The new system, which became operational on January 12, Monday, requires passengers to verify their mobile numbers via OTP before tickets can be issued, making the booking process more secure and passenger-friendly.
The OTP verification applies to both online bookings and counter tickets in premium trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi and Duronto Express services. Passengers booking tickets at railway counters must now provide a valid mobile number where the OTP will be sent, and tickets are issued only after the OTP is entered or confirmed.
Railway officials stated that the measure will effectively curb fake bookings, multiple ticket purchases by a single individual, and unauthorised agents, thereby enhancing convenience and security for passengers.
Phased rollout
Shashikant Tripathi, chief public relations officer (CPRO) of North Central Railway, said the OTP-based system is being implemented in a phased manner.
“In the first phase, 300 trains across the country were brought under the OTP-based system. If results are positive, the system will gradually be extended to all trains,” he said.
Tripathi added that Aadhaar-verified ID provisions are already in place for online bookings to further prevent fraud. In Prayagraj, the OTP system has already been implemented for counter bookings in premium trains.
Operational changes during Magh Mela
Meanwhile, to manage the heavy rush of devotees during the ongoing Magh Mela, Indian Railways has made adjustments to the operation of several long-distance trains at Prayagraj Junction.
The Prayagraj Express and Lalgarh Express are now being operated from Subedarganj railway station instead of Prayagraj Junction. From Tuesday, the Prayagraj–New Delhi Humsafar Express (12275) will also depart from Subedarganj at 12.30 am, instead of its earlier 10.30 pm departure from Prayagraj Junction.
Similarly, the Prayagraj–Anand Vihar Terminal Humsafar Express (22437) will now leave Subedarganj at 12.30 am rather than 10.35 pm, easing passenger congestion during the festival period.