New Delhi: The number of new user IDs being created daily on the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website has seen a dramatic decline following the introduction of a stricter identity verification system. According to officials, daily registrations have dropped to around 5,000, a steep fall from nearly one lakh new user IDs per day recorded earlier.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the sharp decline clearly indicates the success of the Indian Railways’ intensified efforts to curb ticket bookings made through fake and multiple identities. The move is aimed at ensuring fair access to railway tickets for genuine passengers, especially during peak travel seasons.
Over 3 Crore Fake IRCTC Accounts Deactivated
As part of the crackdown, railway authorities have already deactivated more than 3.03 crore fake IRCTC accounts, officials confirmed. In addition, nearly 2.7 crore user IDs have been either temporarily suspended or flagged for suspension after being identified for suspicious or irregular booking activity.
The new system involves enhanced verification mechanisms designed to establish the authenticity of users and detect bulk or automated account creation. Officials said these measures have significantly reduced misuse by touts and agents who previously exploited loopholes to corner tickets.
“Following the introduction of a stringent system to establish user identity and detect fake IDs, only about 5,000 new user IDs are now being added daily,” a railway press note stated.
Focus on Making Ticket Booking Easier for Genuine Passengers
The Railway Minister has instructed officials to continue reforms to strengthen the online ticketing ecosystem and improve transparency. Emphasis is being placed on ensuring that genuine passengers can book tickets smoothly using verified and authentic user IDs, without facing technical hurdles or unfair competition from fraudulent accounts.
Officials said further upgrades to IRCTC’s digital infrastructure are being explored to enhance security, improve server stability, and make the booking process more user-friendly.
Local Cuisine to Be Introduced on Vande Bharat Trains
In a separate passenger-centric initiative, Ashwini Vaishnaw has also directed railway officials to introduce local and regional cuisine on Vande Bharat trains. The move aims to enrich the travel experience by offering food that reflects the culinary traditions of the regions through which the trains operate.
Railway officials said the inclusion of regional dishes will be rolled out in phases and gradually expanded to more Vande Bharat services across the country. The initiative is expected to boost passenger satisfaction while promoting local food cultures.
Railways Push for Cleaner, Fairer, and Passenger-Friendly Services
The dual focus on eliminating fake IRCTC accounts and enhancing onboard services underscores the Railways’ broader push toward cleaner, fairer, and more passenger-oriented operations. Authorities believe these reforms will go a long way in restoring public trust in the ticketing system and improving the overall travel experience for millions of passengers.
