A major change in online railway ticket booking has put millions of passengers on alert. IRCTC has tightened its verification rules, and accounts that fail to meet the new requirements risk being suspended or permanently closed. This move is aimed at improving security, preventing misuse, and ensuring fair access to Tatkal and regular ticket bookings—but for users, missing one step could mean losing booking access entirely.
The update has immediate relevance for frequent train travelers who rely on online bookings for daily and long-distance journeys.
Why IRCTC Has Changed Ticket Booking Rules Now
The surge in online ticket demand, misuse of multiple IDs, and automated booking attempts has forced stricter controls. To maintain system integrity and ensure genuine users get fair access, IRCTC has decided to enforce mandatory account verification.
Unverified or suspicious accounts are now being actively identified and restricted.
What Verification Means Under the New Rules
Verification is no longer optional. IRCTC now requires users to validate their accounts using verified mobile numbers, email IDs, and identity details linked to official records.
Accounts that remain incomplete, inactive for long periods, or linked to incorrect details are being flagged automatically by the system.
Which IRCTC Accounts Are at Risk of Closure
Not all users are affected equally. The accounts most likely to face action include those with missing or invalid contact details, accounts created with fake credentials, and profiles that have not completed verification despite reminders.
• Accounts without verified mobile numbers or email IDs
• Users with mismatched or incorrect personal details
• Multiple accounts linked to the same identity
• Dormant accounts showing suspicious booking patterns
These accounts may first be blocked temporarily before permanent closure.
How This Impacts Online Ticket Booking
If an account is suspended or closed, users will not be able to book tickets, access booking history, cancel tickets, or receive refunds through that account. In many cases, creating a new account is also restricted once an account is blacklisted.
This makes timely verification critical, especially for passengers who frequently book Tatkal or emergency travel tickets.
Steps Passengers Should Take Immediately
IRCTC has advised users to log in and check their profile status. Verifying mobile numbers and email IDs takes only a few minutes but can prevent long-term access issues.
Passengers should also ensure their details match official records and update any outdated information as soon as possible.
Why This Rule Change Matters for Tatkal Bookings
Tatkal tickets are highly sensitive to misuse. Unverified and multiple accounts were often used to bypass booking limits. The new verification system is expected to reduce unfair practices and improve chances for genuine users during high-demand booking windows.
Verified users are likely to experience smoother booking access going forward.
Will Existing Tickets or Refunds Be Affected
Tickets already booked remain valid even if an account later faces restrictions. Refunds for cancelled tickets are processed as per existing rules, provided the account remains accessible during the refund period.
However, prolonged suspension may complicate access to booking history and refund tracking.
What IRCTC Wants Users to Understand
The goal is not to inconvenience passengers but to improve platform security and fairness. Verified accounts help prevent fraud, reduce system overload, and protect user data.
IRCTC has indicated that clear warnings and notifications are being sent before major action is taken on most accounts.
Conclusion: The change in IRCTC ticket booking rules marks a decisive shift toward stricter digital verification. Accounts without proper verification now face suspension or closure, directly affecting booking access. Passengers who rely on online railway reservations should act immediately to verify and update their accounts. A few minutes of verification can prevent major travel disruptions and ensure uninterrupted access to India’s most-used ticketing platform.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Passengers should rely on official IRCTC notifications and platform messages for account-specific actions.