Online train ticket bookings account for approximately 89% as per Rail Ministry announcement
The Indian Railways, in a bid to improve the ticketing system and ensure fair distribution of reserved accommodation, has taken significant steps to address malpractices in online ticket booking.
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has deactivated over 2.5 crore user IDs identified as either inactive or involved in suspicious activities. This crackdown targets fraudulent accounts, unauthorized agents, and bots manipulating the online ticketing system.
In a move to prevent bulk ticket hoarding and ensure tickets go to genuine passengers, the Railway Minister announced that as of July 1, 2025, Tatkal Scheme tickets can only be booked online by Aadhaar-authenticated users through the IRCTC website or app. Users must undergo OTP verification tied to their Aadhaar number to book Tatkal tickets online, at PRS counters, or through authorized agents.
To further prevent manipulation, authorized agents are prohibited from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes after reservation opens. This policy prioritizes direct bookings by regular passengers and limits exploitation by agents during the critical initial window.
The Railway Minister also discussed the introduction of the Alternate Train Accommodation Scheme (VIKALP) and Up-gradation scheme to provide confirmed accommodation to waitlisted passengers and optimize the use of available accommodation.
Trains running on popular routes and convenient timings are generally well-patronized, while accommodation is generally available in other trains. However, the demand pattern for reserved accommodation varies between lean and peak periods. To cater to additional demand, Indian Railways operates special train services and augments the load of trains, subject to operational feasibility. The waiting list position of trains is regularly monitored to accommodate the increased demand.
Reserved train tickets can be booked either online or through computerized Passenger Reservation System counters. The facility of making payments through digital modes has been provided at PRS counters as well.
The Railway Minister highlighted that these measures use technology-driven approaches like data analytics and Aadhaar-based authentication to curb fraud, enhance ticket distribution fairness, and strengthen digital reservation platforms within Indian Railways.
However, the article does not provide information on the impact of the deactivation of dubious user IDs on ticket booking or the overall railway system.
[1] Press Trust of India. (2022, October 26). IRCTC deactivates 2.5 crore user IDs to curb malpractices in ticket booking system. The Indian Express. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/irctc-deactivates-2-5-crore-user-ids-to-curb-malpractices-in-ticket-booking-system-8833048/
[2] PTI. (2022, October 26). IRCTC deactivates 2.5 cr user IDs to curb malpractices in ticket booking system. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/irctc-deactivates-2-5-cr-user-ids-to-curb-malpractices-in-ticket-booking-system/article66251138.ece
[3] PTI. (2022, October 26). IRCTC deactivates 2.5 crore user IDs to curb malpractices in ticket booking system. The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/irctc-deactivates-2-5-crore-user-ids-to-curb-malpractices-in-ticket-booking-system/articleshow/95346518.cms
[4] Press Trust of India. (2022, October 26). Tatkal tickets from July 1, 2025, to be booked online by Aadhaar-authenticated users only. The Hindu BusinessLine. https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/tatkal-tickets-from-july-1-2025-to-be-booked-online-by-aadhaar-authenticated-users-only/article66251091.ece
In light of the deactivation of over 2.5 crore IRCTC user IDs, there might be a noticeable shift in the online ticket booking patterns for Indian Railways, potentially impacting both legitimate passengers and unauthorized agents.
The Indian Railway's focus on technology-driven approaches, such as Aadhaar-based authentication and data analytics, extends beyond ticket booking to ongoing efforts aimed at improving business practices, finance management, and even the introduction of technology in the field of passenger rail transport.
