From 1st April, reservation of rail tickets for senior citizens will be directly linked to Aadhaar or Unique Identification cards on a mandatory basis for availing concessions at both counter and e-tickets. However, such a requirement will be optional during January-March 2017.<br/><br/>With effect from April 1, 2017, passengers in the senior citizen category will need to carry any of the original documents, including Aadhaar card, for the purpose of identity proof.<br/><br/>A major benefit of Aadhaar-linked rail reservations for senior citizens is that it will stop touts and unauthorised agents from booking tickets in fake names and then selling these at a higher price.