Why has Indian Railways deactivated over 2.5 crore IRCTC user IDs?

The deactivation of IRCTC accounts was done after noticing suspicious booking patterns and user behavior identified through advanced data analytics. With many concerns about tickets vanishing within minutes of booking and rising misuse by agents and bots. This was confirmed in a written reply to Parliament following questions raised by Member of Parliament A. D. Singh.

To curb ticket booking fraud, IRCTC deactivated user accounts flagged for suspicious activity and irregular booking patterns. This large-scale was enabled by advanced data analytics and monitoring tools.

The government responded to a Parliament question on whether the government is planning a digital overhaul and said, Indian Railways is upgrading its ticketing systems to improve security and transparency. The government also outlined a series of new reforms, including mandatory Aadhaar authentication for tatkal bookings, a ban on agent access during peak hours, and more transparent digital payment systems at PRS counters.

The government in Parliament replied on whether it is also a fact that tickets for many trains vanish within minutes of the opening of the reservation window, and said on Indian Railways, the demand pattern of reserved accommodation is not uniform throughout the year and it varies over lean and peak periods. The trains running on popular routes and convenient timings are generally well patronized, however, in other trains, accommodation is generally available.

Reserved tickets can be booked either online or across computerised Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counters on first cum first served basis. Presently, around 89% of total tickets are being booked through online mode. At PRS counters, the facility of making payments through digital modes has been provided. Tickets under tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users. Waiting list position of the trains is monitored on a regular basis and in order to cater to additional demand.