IRCTC Enhances Ticketing Platform Security with Major Digital Overhaul, Deactivation of Over Two Crore Suspect User IDs, and Anti-Bot Measures

In an effort to improve user experience and crack down on fraudulent activities, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has recently deactivated 2.5 crore suspicious user IDs as part of an extensive digital transformation of its ticketing platform. This initiative aims to ensure smoother, more reliable access for legitimate users while targeting unauthorized, automated bookings.

Implementation of Anti-Bot Technology and Enhanced Security Measures

The Railway department has integrated advanced anti-bot systems alongside a major Content Delivery Network (CDN) service provider to tackle unauthorized automated ticket bookings. This new security measure has proven effective, especially during the initial minutes after the Tatkal booking window opens, a period that often sees up to 50% of login attempts coming from bots. The department’s efforts have led to a reduction in fraudulent activity, making it easier for legitimate users to access the platform.

In addition, reports of suspicious activity have been forwarded to the cyber crime cell, further bolstering the effort to eliminate digital fraud.

Revalidation of User IDs to Enhance Authenticity

As part of its ongoing commitment to maintaining a secure platform, IRCTC has begun revalidating suspect user IDs. In the past two weeks, approximately 20 lakh user IDs have undergone mobile number and email verification processes to ensure that only genuine users are able to make bookings.

Record-Breaking Booking Numbers

The recent improvements to IRCTC’s infrastructure have led to impressive outcomes. On March 6, 2025, the platform achieved a record-breaking single-day booking of 16,17,404 tickets. Furthermore, on May 22, 2025, IRCTC set a new benchmark by processing 31,814 ticket bookings within a single minute.

To enhance user experience, the platform has also rolled out new protocols. Non-Aadhaar-authenticated users are now required to wait three days after registration before booking tickets for Tatkal, Premium Tatkal, or Advance Reservation Period (ARP) services. In contrast, users verified via Aadhaar can access all ticket types immediately.

Aadhaar and PAN Authentication to Further Combat Fraud

As part of the ongoing crackdown on fraudulent activity, IRCTC has proposed that only Aadhaar or PAN-authenticated users be allowed to book Tatkal and ARP tickets during the first ten minutes of availability. This measure is aimed at further reducing the risk of unauthorized bookings, particularly during high-demand periods.

Performance Improvements Post-Infrastructure Overhaul

Following the digital enhancements, IRCTC has seen a notable increase in platform performance. Daily user logins surged from 69.08 lakh in 2023-24 to 82.57 lakh in 2024-25, a 19.5% increase. Daily ticket bookings also grew by 11.85%, from 12.41 lakh to 13.88 lakh over the same period. The e-ticketing segment now represents 86.38% of total reserved bookings, up from 82.68% in 2023-24.

The ‘attempt versus booking ratio’ has also improved dramatically, rising from 43.06% to 62.22% between October 2024 and May 2025, highlighting the system’s success in blocking bot-driven booking attempts.

New Measures to Control Session Usage and Agent Access

To address the surge in demand, IRCTC has implemented new protocols to curb the misuse of its platform. Users who exceed 25 inquiries within a single session during peak booking periods, such as Tatkal and ARP windows, will be automatically logged out. Furthermore, each session now allows the booking of only one ticket, unless it’s for a return or onward journey. To make additional bookings, users will be required to log out and log back in.

Agent bookings have also been restricted during key booking times. Except for defense agents, bookings by other agents will be blocked between 8:00 a.m. and 8:10 a.m. during the opening ARP period for General Quota tickets. Similar restrictions are in place from 10:00 a.m. to 10:10 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. for Tatkal Quota ticket bookings.

These strategic changes reflect IRCTC’s continuous efforts to enhance transparency, security, and user accessibility, ensuring that the ticketing process remains efficient and equitable for all travelers.

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