Fake ID crackdown by IRCTC cuts new user registrations to 5,000 from 1 lakh

The number of new user IDs being added daily on the IRCTC website has dropped sharply to around 5,000 from nearly one lakh after the introduction of a stringent user identity verification system, officials said on Saturday.

According to a press note, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Indian Railways’ crackdown on ticket bookings made through fake identities is yielding positive results. Before the latest reforms were implemented, the IRCTC platform was witnessing the creation of close to one lakh new user IDs every day.

“Following the introduction of a stringent system to establish user identity and detect fake IDs, about 5,000 new user IDs are now being added daily on the IRCTC website,” the note said. Officials said the measures have already led to the deactivation of 3.03 crore fake accounts.

In addition, around 2.7 crore user IDs have either been temporarily suspended or identified for suspension based on suspicious activities, they added. The Minister has directed officials to further reform the ticketing system to ensure that genuine passengers are able to book tickets easily using authentic user IDs.

ALSO READ: India warns of action after Mexico raises tariffs on select Indian products

Separately, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has also instructed officials to introduce local cuisine on Vande Bharat trains. Officials said offering regional food that reflects the culture and tastes of the areas being traversed will significantly enhance the passenger experience. This facility will be expanded progressively to more trains in the future, they added.