Crackdown on railway ticket touts: IRCTC removes over 3 crore fake accounts
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday informed the Lok Sabha about the action, which is part of a major crackdown on ticketing irregularities.
By Newsmeter Network
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New Delhi: More than 3 crore fake user accounts have been removed from the IRCTC portal to curb tout activity and ensure fair access to train tickets.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday informed the Lok Sabha about the action, which is part of a major crackdown on ticketing irregularities.
Focus on non-AC options
Responding to concerns over overcrowding in long-distance trains during Question Hour, the minister said the government is prioritising affordable and comfortable travel, with a strong focus on non-AC options that cater to the majority of passengers.
Crackdown on fake accounts, touts curbed
Vaishnaw said the deletion of over 3 crore fake IRCTC accounts is part of a sustained effort to eliminate touts who misuse the online booking system to hoard and resell tickets.
He asserted that these measures have significantly improved ticket availability for genuine passengers, helping restore transparency and fairness in the reservation process.
Majority seats in non-AC categories
Highlighting the government’s passenger-centric approach, the minister noted that nearly 78 per cent of total train seats fall under non-AC categories, making rail travel more affordable.
Additionally, about 70 per cent of railway coaches are general and sleeper class, reflecting the continued emphasis on serving the common traveller.
Over 75,000 special trains operated
To tackle seasonal rush and overcrowding, the Railways have operated more than 75,000 special trains so far in the current financial year.
Vaishnaw stated that the number of special trains introduced under the current government surpasses those run during the previous UPA regime, ensuring better connectivity and crowd management during peak travel periods.
‘Reforms reduced train accidents by nearly 90%’
The minister also underlined improvements in railway safety, saying that consequential train accidents have reduced by nearly 90 per cent due to sustained investments and safety reforms.
Focus on affordable, comfortable travel
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Vaishnaw said Indian Railways continues to balance affordability with improved services, ensuring that the needs of the common passenger remain at the core of policy decisions.
