IRCTC Enhances Online Ticket Booking for Rail Passengers
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has revolutionized the ticket booking process by allowing passengers to reserve train tickets online, thus eliminating the need to visit reservation counters. This convenience not only saves valuable travel time but also reduces transportation costs for travelers.
To sustain and improve this online ticketing facility, which involves significant operational costs, a nominal convenience fee is charged. Such fees are essential for the ongoing maintenance and upgrading of the ticketing infrastructure, ensuring a smooth booking experience for users.
One of the standout features of IRCTC’s online booking system is its popularity among users. Currently, about 88% of reserved train tickets are booked online, showcasing the growing acceptance of this passenger-friendly initiative.
New Measures for Ticket Booking Security
IRCTC has recently implemented measures to enhance the security and transparency of the ticket booking system. Starting from July 1, 2025, the Tatkal Scheme tickets can only be booked by Aadhaar-authenticated users through the IRCTC website and app. This change aims to bolster the integrity of the booking platform.
Moreover, during the initial opening day of general reservation under Advance Reservation Period (ARP), the same Aadhaar authentication requirement will apply. These measures are designed to mitigate misuse by restricting multiple bookings through fraudulent accounts. Importantly, to date, no user accounts have been deactivated due to a lack of Aadhaar linkage.
Statistics reveal that, for the financial year 2025-26 up to February 26, 2026, a total of 48.25 crore tickets were booked online compared to just 6.15 crore through physical counter transactions. This stark contrast underscores the efficiency of the online system.
Combatting Fraudulent Activities
IRCTC employs various strategies to identify and eliminate fake or malicious user accounts. During the calendar year of 2025, the organization deactivated approximately 3.04 crore accounts and temporarily suspended around 2.94 crore accounts, offering revalidation options for genuine users. Since early 2025, over 180,000 accounts have been reactivated after thorough verification.
Aadhaar authentication serves as a vital tool in confirming user uniqueness, particularly for time-sensitive Tatkal bookings. This measure effectively curbs the fraudulent operations associated with unauthorized account creations, ensuring fair access to tickets for legitimate passengers.
Continuous Improvement in Booking Experience
In addition to authentication measures, IRCTC has introduced a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to streamline system performance and reduce traffic load. Anti-BOT technology has also been implemented, successfully mitigating up to 64% of suspicious activities.
As an additional protective measure, IRCTC has logged 408 complaints regarding 407,000 suspicious Passenger Name Records (PNRs) on the National Cyber Crime Portal as of February 28, 2026. Furthermore, the organization has blocked over 13,000 suspicious email domains within the same timeframe.
IRCTC is committed to monitoring and analyzing user activity continuously to further thwart fraudulent activities. An accessible grievance redressal platform allows users to report issues, ensuring that verified accounts are reinstated when warranted.
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