New Delhi, July 4, 2025 - From this month onward, Indian citizens will see a wave of changes in both the financial and travel sectors, as new rules and revisions come into effect. These include the implementation of Aadhaar-based OTP verification for Tatkal train ticket bookings and revised banking charges by major institutions such as Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and the State Bank of India.

Beginning July 15, the Indian Railways will mandate Aadhaar-linked one-time password (OTP) authentication for booking Tatkal tickets online through the IRCTC platform. This decision is aimed at curbing ticket fraud, especially the use of bots and agents during high-demand hours. Only users with a mobile number linked to their Aadhaar card will be able to complete Tatkal bookings, a change expected to bring greater transparency and security to the process. Those who do not have Aadhaar-linked accounts can still book under other quotas but must verify their identity through alternate KYC documents. The Railway Board noted that this move is part of a larger digital overhaul intended to modernize and secure the passenger booking system.

Meanwhile, leading private and public sector banks have revised their ATM and service charges, effective from July 1. Customers of Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and SBI will now face altered limits on free ATM withdrawals, with the number of permitted free transactions at non-home ATMs in metro areas reduced from five to three per month. Beyond this threshold, each additional transaction will cost between ₹21 and ₹25, depending on the bank’s updated structure. Other revisions include increased charges for debit card renewals, SMS alerts, account maintenance, and cheque book requests beyond the free quota. These new rates apply to both savings and current account holders, though senior citizens and Jan Dhan account users may be eligible for concessions as per individual bank policies.

The revised bank charges have drawn mixed reactions. While financial institutions describe the updates as part of routine restructuring to align with operational costs and inflation, some customer advocacy groups have criticized the changes as burdensome, particularly for low-income users who depend heavily on in-person and ATM-based banking. Similarly, the Aadhaar OTP rule for Tatkal bookings has been questioned for potentially excluding individuals in rural areas or those without access to mobile-linked Aadhaar credentials.

Despite the concerns, both sectors argue that these updates aim to enhance service quality, safety, and efficiency in an increasingly digital environment. The Indian Railways has emphasized that the new authentication system will significantly reduce fraudulent bookings, while banks suggest that service charge adjustments are essential for maintaining infrastructure and digital services. As the country continues its shift toward more tech-integrated governance and financial services, July marks a pivotal moment where adaptation becomes necessary for the everyday Indian user, be it in planning travel or managing daily banking needs.