AI-Powered Anti-Fraud System : Indian Railways, through its ticketing arm IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation), indeed launched an advanced AI-driven system in early 2025 to combat ticketing fraud, particularly bots and fake user IDs that exploit high-demand bookings like Tatkal. This initiative aims to ensure fair access for genuine passengers by detecting and blocking automated scams in real-time, significantly enhancing security and reducing black-market reselling.
AI-Powered Anti-Fraud System : Key Features of the System
- Real-Time Bot Detection: The AI analyzes booking patterns, IP addresses, and user behaviors to identify suspicious activities, such as rapid-fire bookings or scripted attempts. It blocks bots before they can secure tickets.
- Fake ID Mitigation: Using machine learning, the system flags and deactivates fraudulent accounts created en masse for scalping.
- Integration with Existing Platforms: Deployed on the IRCTC website and app, it works alongside CAPTCHA and other defenses without disrupting legitimate users.
Impact and Achievements
- In the first few months post-launch (as of June 2025), IRCTC deactivated over 2.5 crore (25 million) suspicious user IDs and reduced fake account creations from 65,000 to just 12,000 per day. By mid-2025, a total of 3.5 crore fake IDs had been blocked annually.
- During peak booking windows, the system enabled record-breaking volumes—like 31,814 tickets in 60 seconds on May 22, 2025—while preventing unauthorized access.
- Overall, it has denied billions of spurious booking attempts, with 10.57 billion blocked in October 2025 alone, leading to 77 lakh accounts suspended that month.
Recent Developments (as of November 2025)
While the AI system has made strides, touts continue to adapt with illegal software like “BrahMos,” “Dr. Doom,” and “Avengers,” which mimic human behavior to bypass defenses and snag Tatkal tickets in seconds for resale at premiums (e.g., ₹99 per ticket). In response:
- Aadhaar Authentication Mandate: From October 28, 2025, only Aadhaar-verified users can book tickets between 8:10 AM and 10:00 AM daily, targeting peak fraud hours and excluding certain categories like senior citizens or group bookings.
- Ongoing Crackdown: IRCTC’s multi-pronged approach now includes real-time monitoring and collaboration with law enforcement to dismantle these apps, with arrests of developers reported.