Indian Railways has introduced a new Aadhaar-linked ticket booking system to manage the massive travel rush expected during the upcoming festive season. This new initiative, effective from October 1, 2025, aims to ensure smoother ticket booking for millions of passengers traveling for Diwali and Chhath Puja. The rule, which grants priority to Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts during the first 15 minutes of the booking window, will help in managing the surge in demand for tickets during this busy period.

New Booking Rule for Diwali and Chhath Puja Season

As the Diwali and Chhath Puja festivities draw near, Indian Railways is preparing for the usual rush of passengers heading to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. This year, in an effort to ease the booking process and minimize complications, the national carrier has rolled out a new rule that links Aadhaar details with the ticket booking system on the IRCTC online portal. This move will provide priority access to passengers who have linked their Aadhaar numbers to their IRCTC accounts.

The priority booking window for Aadhaar-linked users will be open from 10 am to 10:15 am for AC class tickets and from 11 am to 11:15 am for non-AC class tickets. This will allow those with Aadhaar-linked accounts to book tickets first, helping to reduce overcrowding and long queues. After the 15-minute priority booking window ends, travelers without Aadhaar linkage will be able to book tickets as usual. The system is designed to ease the rush and give preference to those who have taken the step to link their Aadhaar to their accounts.

Dates and Duration of the Special Booking Window

The new Aadhaar-linked booking rule will be applicable for journeys between October 3 and December 2, 2025. This period includes the festive rush, with millions of passengers expected to travel during the Diwali and Chhath Puja holidays. Passengers can book both onward and return tickets during this time to ensure they can travel on their preferred dates and times. The rule is designed to streamline the booking process and ensure that ticket availability is managed efficiently during one of the busiest travel seasons in India.

Special Trains for Bihar and Eastern Uttar Pradesh

To further manage the high demand for travel during the festival season, Indian Railways has also announced special trains connecting major destinations in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh. Popular destinations such as Patna, Gaya, Bhagalpur, Buxar, Varanasi, Mau, Lucknow, and Motihari will be directly connected through these special trains. These routes are expected to cater to the heavy flow of passengers traveling to and from these regions for the festivities.

Officials at Indian Railways have stated that these special trains are part of the broader effort to enhance the transportation options available during peak periods. With more trains available for travel, passengers will have a greater chance of securing a seat and will have access to more convenient travel schedules during the festive period.

Aadhaar Linking and Ticket Booking Process

Passengers are strongly advised to link their Aadhaar numbers to their IRCTC accounts well ahead of the booking period. This will help avoid any difficulties or delays during the peak booking hours, especially in the 15-minute priority booking window. Those who have not yet linked their Aadhaar with their IRCTC accounts may experience delays as they will not be eligible for priority access.

To link Aadhaar with an IRCTC account, passengers can follow simple steps through the IRCTC website or mobile app. Once linked, users will be able to access the priority booking feature when the window opens, ensuring they have the best chance to book tickets during the high-demand period. The online process has been made more user-friendly, making it easier for people to complete the linking process without facing issues.

Expected Benefits of the New System

This Aadhaar-linked ticket booking system is expected to significantly streamline the process for passengers traveling during the Diwali and Chhath Puja seasons. With millions of people traveling across India, especially to their home towns in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, the demand for tickets is always high during these festivals. The introduction of priority access for Aadhaar-linked users will help manage this surge in demand, making the booking process smoother and more efficient.

The special trains connecting Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh are expected to reduce the pressure on regular trains and provide more options for travelers. These special trains will be an essential part of managing the festive rush, ensuring that people can reach their destinations on time and in comfort. With more tickets available and a more organized booking system, passengers will have a better chance of securing their preferred travel dates.

Tips for Passengers During the Festive Season

As millions prepare for the festive season, it is important for passengers to plan their travel in advance. The earlier passengers complete the Aadhaar linking process and secure their tickets, the better their chances of getting confirmed seats during the peak travel period. Indian Railways has urged travelers to be proactive and make use of the available online resources, including the IRCTC website and mobile app, to avoid last-minute hassles.

In addition to ensuring timely ticket booking, passengers are also encouraged to check the availability of special trains on the official website and app. This will allow them to choose the most convenient travel options for their route and ensure a smoother experience during the festive season. Travelers are also advised to follow all COVID-19 safety protocols, including wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, to ensure a safe journey.

Indian Railways’ new Aadhaar-linked ticket booking system is a much-needed initiative aimed at managing the rush of travelers during the Diwali and Chhath Puja seasons. With millions of people expected to travel across India, this system will help ensure that the booking process remains organized and efficient. The priority access for Aadhaar-linked accounts, along with the special trains for Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, will provide a better experience for travelers during one of the busiest times of the year. By linking their Aadhaar and booking tickets early, passengers can take full advantage of the new system and enjoy a hassle-free travel experience this festive season.