Indian Railways to implement token system for Tatkal bookings starting August 2026
Starting August 1, 2026, West Central Railway (WCR) is set to overhaul its counter-based Tatkal booking process by introducing a mandatory token system. This new initiative aims to eliminate the long-standing ‘parchi system,’ ensuring a more transparent and orderly experience for passengers across all computerized reservation centers, including the Jabalpur division. To secure a ticket, passengers will now be required to present a valid photo ID, such as an Aadhaar card, to receive a unique, non-transferable token.
Key details of the new booking system include:
- AC class tokens: Distributed between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM.
- Non-AC (Sleeper) class tokens: Distributed between 9:00 AM and 9:30 AM.
- Booking windows: Remains 10:00 AM for AC and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes.
- Token limits: Each counter will issue 10 tokens for AC and 15 tokens for non-AC, subject to demand-based adjustments.
Modernizing the Passenger Reservation System
This move is part of a broader push by Indian Railways to modernize its infrastructure and curb the influence of touts. Alongside the physical token system, the national transporter is preparing a massive upgrade to its Passenger Reservation System (PRS). The upcoming revamped IRCTC website, also slated for August 2026, is designed to handle an impressive 1.5 lakh bookings and 40 lakh inquiries per minute. Furthermore, the system will integrate AI-driven technology to provide waitlist predictions with a 94% accuracy rate, significantly improving travel planning for millions.
Building on Past Reforms
These measures serve as the latest phase in a series of reforms initiated by the railways. Since July 1, 2025, Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC accounts have been mandatory for online Tatkal purchases, followed by the introduction of Aadhaar-based OTP authentication for both online and counter bookings on July 15, 2025. Additionally, the railway continues to enforce strict regulations on authorized ticketing agents, who remain barred from booking opening-day Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window. By digitizing verification and formalizing the queue process, Indian Railways aims to ensure that genuine passengers have a fairer chance at securing last-minute travel arrangements.