Indian Railways implements nationwide OTP-based Tatkal reservation system after successful trials on 52 trains, building on July 2025 Aadhaar authentication and October 2025 general booking OTP verification. Chart preparation moves from four to eight hours pre-departure, providing waitlist clarity earlier. OTP authentication on mobile numbers aims to eliminate ticket hoarding, black-marketing, and agent dependency. Phased rollout ensures system optimization. Reforms enhance fairness, transparency, and accessibility during peak travel seasons, reducing stress for genuine travelers and optimizing train capacity nationwide.