Indian Railways has introduced a new feature on the IRCTC online ticketing platform that gives priority booking access to Aadhaar-linked users during the Advance Reservation Period (ARP). This means passengers who have verified their account with Aadhaar will get preferential access when booking tickets once reservations open — a move aimed at reducing server congestion and enhancing the booking experience for frequent travellers.
What the New Priority Booking Means
Under the updated system, users who link their Aadhaar numbers to their IRCTC accounts will receive special booking priority during the ARP window. When tickets for long-distance trains become available (typically 120 days in advance), Aadhaar-verified users will be able to access booking servers with higher priorityreducing delays and improving chances of securing confirmed seats or berths.
This change affects all passengers who use the IRCTC website or mobile app to book tickets in the general, sleeper, and reserved classes.
Why the Change Was Introduced
Advance reservation days often generate massive traffic on the IRCTC portal within minutes of ticket opening, resulting in slow server response or periodic outages. The introduction of Aadhaar-based priority is expected to:
- Reduce server load: By segregating traffic based on verified credentials, the system can handle demand more efficiently.
- Reward verified users: Aadhaar-linked accounts are generally more secure and authentic, reducing duplicates or fraudulent accounts.
- Enhance booking success: Verified users may have higher chances of booking confirmed tickets in the high-demand ARP period.
According to railways officials, the priority system is designed to eliminate pressure on the booking platform and create a fairer distribution of server resources during peak demand.
How to Link Aadhaar With Your IRCTC Account
Passengers who have not yet linked their Aadhaar with their IRCTC profile can do so through the user dashboard on the official booking site or app. The process generally involves:
- Logging in with your registered credentials
- Navigating to the profile settings section
- Entering your Aadhaar number
- Completing the verification through OTP or biometric steps
Once verified, your account will be flagged as Aadhaar-linked and eligible for priority access in ARP sessions.
Potential Passenger Benefits
For frequent travellers, the priority access could translate into:
- Higher chances of ticket confirmation
- Faster load times during peak reservation hours
- Reduced frustration caused by system lag or waiting rooms
This feature may be especially valuable for passengers who regularly plan long-distance journeys or travel during festival season when seats sell out quickly.
Conclusion
Giving priority booking access to Aadhaar-linked IRCTC users is a strategic move to streamline the advance ticketing process, manage traffic surges, and reward verified passengers with smoother, faster reservation experiences. Travellers are encouraged to link their Aadhaar details to benefit from this new system and improve their chances of securing railway tickets.
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