OTP: The New Standard
The Indian Railways is implementing a One-Time Password (OTP) based ticketing system to increase transparency and protect the legitimate mobility of passengers
on its routes. This initiative addresses problems encountered with previous ticketing systems, seeking to implement an advanced technological procedure to verify travellers' identities. The new system began on January 12th, impacting 300 key trains across India. Tickets for these trains will only be issued after OTP verification on the Indian Railways portal, making the booking process more secure and convenient. The railway authorities hope to curb down on instances of illegal bookings, which have occurred due to unauthorised agents. The OTP system has already been implemented in Prayagraj for counter ticket bookings. It has now been expanded to online ticket bookings and counter tickets across several routes, including premium train services such as the Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto Express.
How It Works
To streamline this process, the OTP-based system is now in place for both online and counter ticket bookings. When purchasing tickets at railway counters, passengers are required to provide a valid phone number. An OTP is then dispatched to the registered mobile number for verification. Tickets are only issued upon providing the OTP at the counter and entering it into the system. This method effectively curbs illegal practices, as it requires a verified mobile number for each ticket purchase. For those booking online, a similar process is used, with the OTP being sent to the registered mobile number. This verification step ensures the authenticity of the booking, making it more difficult for unauthorized agents to exploit the system. As the system is implemented over more trains, passengers can expect a secure and transparent ticketing experience.
Expanding The System
The OTP-based system started with 300 trains across India. The North Central Railway Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Shashikant Tripathi, has stated that the system may be extended to all railway lines, dependent on the initial success. This phased introduction will assess the system's effectiveness and allow for necessary adjustments before full-scale deployment. If successful, this enhanced security measure has the potential to become a standard for all train bookings. The expansion will not only benefit passengers by increasing security but also help the Indian Railways combat fraudulent booking practices. Authorities are striving to eliminate instances of illegal bookings, which have been noted in the past. This approach reflects a commitment to improving the overall travel experience for all passengers, making the railways safer and more trustworthy.
