Tatkal tickets vanish in seconds

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Amid heavy summer rush and long waiting lists, Tatkal tickets are turning “not available” within seconds online, while passengers at reservation counters struggle as agents allegedly crowd the queues.

Though Tatkal booking opens at 10 am, agents reportedly line up in advance. Commuters allege lack of visible Railway Protection Force (RPF) patrolling and claim confirmed tickets are arranged by agents for Rs 200 extra per ticket. Officials, however, say regular patrols are conducted.

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OTP verification limited

Railways have mandated system-generated OTP authentication for Tatkal bookings at stations, PRS counters and through authorised agents. However, at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar railway station, OTP verification is currently implemented only for Vande Bharat Express bookings, enabling the alleged agent network to persist.