Indian Railways has initiated a major overhaul of its ticketing infrastructure, deploying AI-powered bot mitigation systems to ensure fair ticket bookings and prevent unauthorized automated transactions. The move aims to curb the activities of unscrupulous agents who exploit automated systems during peak ticketing hours, particularly during the first five minutes of Tatkal bookings, when bot traffic accounts for nearly 50% of login attempts.
By integrating advanced detection algorithms and working with a Content Delivery Network (CDN) service provider, Indian Railways has significantly improved genuine user access to the booking platform. As a result, authorities have deactivated 2.5 million suspicious user IDs, preventing fraudulent ticket reservations and ensuring equitable distribution among travelers.
The impact of these reforms is already visible, with Indian Railways recording its highest-ever per-minute ticket booking milestone on May 22, 2025, when 31,814 tickets were successfully reserved within a single minute. Additionally, new authentication protocols have been introduced to strengthen user verification. Aadhaar-linked users can now book Tatkal, Premium Tatkal, and Opening Advanced Reservation Period (ARP) tickets instantly, while others must wait three days post-registration before being permitted to do so.
As a result of these upgrades, daily login activity has surged, with average logins rising from 69.08 million in FY 2023-24 to 82.57 million in FY 2024-25, marking a 19.53% increase. Similarly, daily ticket bookings have grown by 11.85%, with e-ticketing now accounting for 86.38% of total reserved bookings.
Other technical enhancements include serving 87% of static website content via CDN, thereby improving page load speeds and reducing server congestion. AI-driven bot detection systems have also bolstered security, ensuring smooth platform performance during peak ticketing periods. Additionally, Indian Railways has intensified proactive deactivation of suspicious accounts, with users encouraged to report fraudulent activity through the Cyber Crime Portal.
Through IRCTC, Indian Railways remains committed to delivering a secure, user-friendly ticketing experience, reinforcing its focus on fairness, transparency, and equitable access for millions of passengers nationwide. The latest measures underscore the government’s digital modernization strategy, ensuring that India’s railway system remains efficient, secure, and accessible.
