Tatkal booking goes haywire despite Railways app reforms

Tatkal booking goes haywire despite Railways app reforms

From July 2025, Tatkal tickets booked through the IRCTC website and mobile app were made available only to users authenticated with the Aadhaar number.

train

 

Tinisha Rachel Samuel

Updated on:

04 Jun 2026, 6:12 pm

KOLLAM: Nearly a year after the Indian Railways announced key modifications to the Tatkal booking service, passengers continue to face various issues and are unable to get confirmed tickets.

From July 2025, Tatkal tickets booked through the IRCTC website and mobile app were made available only to users authenticated with the Aadhaar number.

Tatkal tickets booked at computerised passenger reservation system (PRS) counters and through authorised agents also require OTP authentication sent to the mobile number provided by the user at the time of booking.

To prevent bulk bookings during the crucial opening period, authorised ticketing agents are not permitted to book Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window. According to the Indian Railways, around 14 lakh passengers book train tickets through online platforms daily, and for Tatkal, around four lakh users log in between 10 am and 11 am.

"There is an issue between demand and supply, which is the reason why the ticket issue persists," a senior Railways official said.

When TNIE tried booking a Tatkal ticket from Kollam Junction to MGR Chennai Central on train no 12624 through the RailOne app, the facility was not functional during the 11 am time slot. On the other hand, a private app showed TQWL 17 for third AC berths within three minutes of the booking period, at 11.03 am, even as the new rules suggest that private apps can only begin bookings after 11.30 am.

Several users on the social media platform X have raised allegations regarding issues with booking Tatkal tickets.

"I have been trying to book a single Tatkal ticket for the past four days. First, the mobile app kept crashing, then the website too. The system conveniently collapses during the first few crucial minutes when genuine users try to book tickets. Then, magically, after five minutes, the website and app start working perfectly normally, but by then all tickets would be sold out," lamented a user on X.

"One issue we have experienced in recent days is that if you search directly for Premium Tatkal tickets, most of the time there won't be any error, and there is a higher chance of getting a confirmed ticket. But with normal Tatkal, things are different. Many are asking whether this is being done intentionally to push passengers towards higher-cost tickets. Many also allege that normal Tatkal tickets are mainly booked by agents," alleged Ansuman Satapathy, a rail enthusiast. Premium Tatkal at times costs three times the rate of normal tickets.

Several rail users have also alleged that some railway staff at ticket counters help travel agents with bookings. A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that such allegations are often raised.

"In several cases, server glitches occur on the RailOne app while booking Tatkal tickets. The app keeps loading for nearly five minutes even after payment is completed. By then, tickets would have been sold out. Most Tatkal bookings are made during emergencies, and refunds also take time," said Vishakh Kochiyil, a travel agent from Malappuram.

Chennai Airport advises passengers to use coloured ribbons on luggage; here is why

Chennai Airport advises passengers to use coloured ribbons on luggage; here is why 

With most modern suitcases appearing similar in size, shape, and colour, travellers often struggle to identify their bags from others, particularly after long flights.

Airports Authority of India (AAI) has advised passengers to identify their suitcases by tying coloured ribbons

Online Desk Updated on: 04 Jun 2026, 1:26 pm

CHENNAI: In a move aimed at reducing baggage-related confusion at airports, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) has advised passengers to identify their suitcases by tying coloured ribbons to them before travel.

The advisory comes amid frequent incidents at airports, including Chennai, where passengers mistakenly collect the wrong luggage from baggage conveyor belts.

With most modern suitcases appearing similar in size, shape, and colour, travellers often struggle to identify their bags from others, particularly after long flights.

Although airlines attach baggage tags to every checked-in suitcase and provide passengers with matching tag details on their boarding passes, many travellers fail to verify the tag numbers while collecting their luggage.

Airport officials attribute this to travel fatigue, the desire to leave the terminal quickly, and the small print on baggage tags.

Such mistakes can cause significant disturbances and occasionally lead to disputes between passengers when luggage is wrongly taken from the carousel.

To address the issue, AAI has recommended that passengers tie ribbons or other easily recognisable markers in different colours to their suitcases.

Officials say the simple measure will help travellers quickly identify their bags on conveyor belts and reduce the chances of accidental mix-ups.

“Coloured ribbons can serve as an immediate visual identifier, enabling passengers to spot their luggage easily and avoid confusion,” airport officials said.

Why are passengers seeking better crowd management at baggage claim areas ? Meanwhile, passengers at Chennai Airport have also called for better crowd management around baggage claim areas.

Travellers point out that at many international airports, passengers typically wait at a designated distance from the conveyor belt and approach only when their luggage arrives. This practice helps people gain easier access to their baggage.

However, at most Indian airports, including Chennai, passengers often gather close to the conveyor belts with their trolleys.

This creates congestion, obstructing other passengers from retrieving their luggage and causing delays. In some cases, travellers are forced to wait longer for their bags to complete another round on the carousel because they are unable to reach them through the crowd.

Passengers urge airport authorities to introduce counter measures that encourage people to stand back from the conveyor belt until their luggage arrives. They believe such a system would improve passenger flow, reduce crowding, and make baggage collection more efficient and easier.

Airport officials maintain that a combination of better baggage identification practices and improved discipline around baggage carousels could significantly enhance the overall passenger experience at Chennai Airport and other airports across the country.

NEWS TODAY 06.06.2026

7 medical colleges not paying stipend to MBBS interns, residents- NMC tells Supreme Court, penalty proceedings initiated

7 medical colleges not paying stipend to MBBS interns, residents- NMC tells Supreme Court, penalty proceedings initiated

Written By : Barsha Misra

Published On 5 June 2026 3:46 PM | Updated On 5 June 2026 3:46 PM

New Delhi: The issue of non-payment of stipend to medical students exists only in 7 out of 756 medical colleges, the National Medical Commission (NMC) recently informed the Supreme Court.

Filing a chart, NMC has submitted the details regarding the status of payment of stipend made to interns/junior residents/senior residents by the respective medical colleges.

According to the Apex Medical Commission, there is no dispute with regard to payment of stipend by 573 colleges, and 176 medical colleges have been established in the recent past; as such, the question of payment of stipend would not arise in those 176 medical colleges.

The Commission has also assured that it has already taken steps by issuing show cause notices for the levying of a penalty to those seven medical colleges, which are not paying stipend.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that the Supreme Court had taken note of an allegation that MBBS interns in 70 percent of the medical colleges in the country were not paid a stipend. Accordingly, after the Supreme Court's directions, NMC had given a deadline to the medical colleges to submit the details of the stipend paid to their UG Interns, Post-Graduate Residents, and Senior Residents of PGs in Super Speciality for the financial year 2023-2024 by 23rd April 2024.

The medical colleges were directed to submit the details of their name and address, the amount of stipend paid by the State Government, and the month-wise details of the stipend paid to the MBBS interns, 1st/2nd/3rd-year Post-Graduate Residents, and 1st/2nd/3rd-year Senior Residents or PGs in Super Specialty for the academic year 2023-2024.

Back in November, 2024, NMC slapped show-cause notices on 198 institutes for not complying with the Commission's directives to upload the details of the stipend paid to the interns and resident doctors.

Last year, the Supreme Court slammed NMC for failing to take any action against the erring institute. Expressing its hope and trust that the "NMC would wake up from its slumber" and take appropriate steps as indicated in its notice dated 11.07.2025 by the next date of hearing, the Court had also directed the Commission to file an affidavit enclosing the list of medical colleges which have furnished the stipend details.

Recently. NMC's counsel submitted before the Supreme Court bench of Justices Aravind Kumar and P B Varale the details regarding the status of payment of stipend made to interns/junior residents/senior residents by the respective medical colleges

"It is stated therein that out of 756 medical colleges of under graduates there is no dispute with regard to payment of stipend by 573 colleges and 176 medical colleges have been established in the recent past and as such the question of payment of stipend would not arise in those 176 medical colleges. He would also submit that 7 medical colleges have not being paying stipend for which the NMC has already taken steps by issuing show cause notices for levying of penalty and on receipt of reply further steps would be taken by them. He would also add that one medical college has remained closed and there are no interns in the said college. He further elaborates his submission by contending that 562 colleges are running post graduate courses and they are paying the stipend to the interns and only two medical colleges do not have any interns and as such question of payment of stipend by these two (2) colleges would not arise. His submission is placed on record," the Apex Court bench noted.

The top court bench appointed advocate Charu Mathur as a nodal counsel and directed the advocates appearing for the parties to furnish synopsis, charts and pleadings to her.

"Ms. Charu Mathur, learned counsel, is appointed as a nodal counsel and the learned advocates appearing for the parties are requested to furnish synopsis, charts and pleadings to her and a convenience compilation shall be prepared and be furnished to the Court for issuing further directions in these matters wherever necessary, by the next date of hearing," ordered the Apex Court, while listing the matter for further hearing on August 24, 2026.

FMGs awaiting up to 2 years for internship, some take delivery jobs to survive:

FMGs awaiting up to 2 years for internship, some take delivery jobs to survive: 

Medicos urge NMC, Health Minister's intervention 

Written By : Adity SahaPublished On 4 June 2026 2:30 PM | Updated On 4 June 2026 2:30 PM

Chennai: Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) in Tamil Nadu are allegedly waiting for up to two years to secure a Compulsory Rotating Medical Internship (CRMI) seat.

The situation is reportedly so difficult that some FMGs have taken up food delivery jobs while waiting for internship opportunities, according to a message shared by the All FMGs Association (AFA), which has urged authorities to take immediate action.

Under the National Medical Commission regulations, FMGs are required to complete their foreign medical degree, clear the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination, complete the mandatory internship/CRMI in India and obtain permanent registration to practice in India.

Without completing the mandatory internship, FMGs cannot obtain permanent medical registration and are therefore unable to legally practice medicine in India. As a result, delays in internship allotment can leave qualified FMGs waiting for months or even years before they can start their careers.

Also read- NMC extends FMG internship in non-teaching hospitals till May 2028: All FMGs Association

Raising concerns over the issue, the All FMGs Association (AFA) has urged Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and the National Medical Commission (NMC) to address long-pending issues related to internship allotment, registration and stipend payments.

In a post on X, the association shared a message allegedly received from an FMG in Tamil Nadu, who described the condition of the graduates there and requested action.

On this, AFA said, "This is the message we received from FMGs in Tamil Nadu, and honestly, it shattered my heart. This is the reality of FMGs in India… even after clearing one of the toughest exams in the country, FMGE. On one side, NMC officials proudly meet foreign delegates, sign MoUs, and promote MBBS abroad to “strengthen bilateral relations.” But on the other side, the same NMC is unable to ensure that State Medical Councils follow its own rules."

Many FMGs facing similar issues across the country have alleged that, despite clear NMC instructions, several State Medical Councils are refusing to allot them internship seats on time.

Medical Dialogues, a week ago, reported that around 104 medical graduates, despite clearing the screening test, i.e., the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE), have been waiting for an internship program for the past two years, which is mandatory for FMGs to obtain their medical registration to practice. Frustrated by the delay, they have appealed to the West Bengal Chief Minister, seeking urgent intervention to ensure allocation of internship seats and implementation of the full National Medical Commission (NMC)-approved internship seat matrix in the state.

Calling the situation unfair, AFA said that many FMGs continue to struggle even after clearing the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), one of the mandatory requirements for practising medicine in India.

Highlighting the challenges faced by FMGs, AFA claimed that several states are not allotting internship seats despite vacancies being available. It also alleged that in some states, graduates are forced to wait for nearly two years to begin their internships.

Further, the association stated that many FMGs who have already completed their internships are still awaiting permanent registration. It also alleged that certain states are requiring graduates to undergo additional years of internship, despite NMC advisories and public notices on the matter.

And in most states, the association said that FMGs are working without a stipend, surviving on hope alone.

Tagging the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Medical Commission in its post, AFA said that these issues have been going on since the COVID-19 pandemic and require urgent attention.

"How long will FMGs keep suffering like this? We are not asking for privilege. We are not asking for shortcuts. We are only asking for basic fairness. Don’t punish FMGs for choosing MBBS abroad. We only want to serve our country, support our parents, and build a dignified life," the association added.

Commenting on this, Dr Samar Kumar, Vice President, AIMSA FMSW & AFA, told Medical Dialogues, "Every month, only two to three FMGs are being allotted internships, while many others have been waiting for 1.5 to 2 years. The major concern is that the Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC) has sufficient internship seats available but is not utilizing non-teaching hospitals for FMG internships. Despite the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines and notifications permitting non-teaching hospitals to conduct internships, TNMC continues to allot FMGs primarily to private medical colleges. This has created several problems."

He said, "Many private medical colleges charge FMGs for internship training, which is against NMC guidelines. Furthermore, most of these institutions do not provide stipends to FMG interns. As a result, many FMGs in Tamil Nadu are facing significant financial and mental stress. Some are even compelled to work as delivery personnel for companies such as Zomato and Swiggy to support themselves and their families while waiting for internship opportunities. We have repeatedly sought clarification and intervention from the Tamil Nadu Medical Council and the Health Ministry of Tamil Nadu. However, no adequate response or effective action has been taken so far."

The association has urged the Tamil Nadu Medical Council to utilize non-teaching hospitals for FMG internships and ensure the timely allotment of internships to all eligible FMGs.

Along with this, the association also requested NMC to kindly issue appropriate directions to TNMC to address this issue and ensure compliance with NMC guidelines.

NEWS TODAY 05.06.2026