Overview
- Effective January 5, 2026, Aadhaar-authenticated users get an 8 AM–4 PM online booking window on the first day of the Advance Reservation Period.
- The opening-day Aadhaar requirement was expanded in phases: initially the first 15 minutes, then 8–10 am, then 8–12 pm on December 29, before today’s extension.
- Indian Railways says the policy is designed to reduce touting and ensure reservation benefits reach legitimate passengers.
- The update applies to bookings on the IRCTC website and app, with no change to procedures at computerized PRS ticket counters.
- New guidelines set preferred first reservation chart times: by 8 pm the previous day for 5:01 am–2 pm departures, and at least 10 hours in advance for other departure windows.