IRCTC Blocks 3.5 Crore Fake IRCTC Accounts in 2025: Why Your Account Could Be Next
IRCTC Account
IRCTC Accounts Blocks : The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) serves as the backbone of India’s railway ticketing system, facilitating millions of bookings daily. In 2025, IRCTC undertook a massive operation, deactivating over 3.5 crore fake user accounts that were exploiting the Tatkal ticket booking system. This article delves into the intricacies of this crackdown, the technology employed, and the steps genuine users can take to protect their accounts.
Understanding the Tatkal Ticket Booking System
The Tatkal scheme was introduced by Indian Railways to provide last-minute travel options for passengers. Under this system, a limited number of seats are available for booking one day before the journey, starting at 10:00 AM for AC classes and 11:00 AM for non-AC classes. Due to the high demand and limited availability, Tatkal tickets are often booked within minutes, making the system susceptible to misuse.
The Emergence of the Tatkal Ticket Scam
Between January and May 2025, IRCTC identified a significant anomaly: approximately 2.9 lakh suspicious PNRs were booked within five minutes of the reservation window opening. Further investigation revealed that unauthorized agents and automated bots were creating multiple fake user IDs using disposable email addresses to book tickets en masse, which were then sold at higher prices to desperate travelers.
IRCTC’s Crackdown on Fraudulent Activities
In response to the rampant misuse, IRCTC launched a comprehensive operation to cleanse its system:
- Deactivation of Fake Accounts: Over 3.5 crore user IDs suspected of fraudulent activities were deactivated.
- Blocking Disposable Email Domains: More than 6,800 disposable email domains used to create fake accounts were blocked.
- Implementation of AI-Based Solutions: Advanced Artificial Intelligence tools were deployed to detect and prevent automated bot activities, ensuring a fair booking environment for genuine users.
- Mandatory Aadhaar Linking: To enhance user verification, IRCTC mandated the linking of Aadhaar numbers with user accounts, reducing the chances of multiple fake accounts.
Impact on Genuine Users
While the crackdown was necessary, some genuine users experienced unintended consequences, such as account suspensions without prior notice. Common reasons for such suspensions included.
- Inactivity: Accounts not used for extended periods were marked as inactive and subsequently suspended.
- Multiple Passenger Entries: Adding more than 10 passengers to the master list raised suspicions of commercial usage, leading to account deactivation.
- High-Speed Booking Attempts: Rapid booking attempts, resembling bot behavior, triggered security protocols resulting in account suspension.
Steps to Reactivate a Suspended IRCTC Account
If your IRCTC account has been suspended, follow these steps to reactivate it:
- Contact Customer Support: Call the IRCTC helpline at 0755-6610661 and explain your issue.
- Email Support: Send an email to care@irctc.co.in with your user ID, registered email, and a copy of your Aadhaar card, requesting reactivation.
- Avoid Multiple Attempts: Refrain from creating new accounts or making repeated login attempts, as this may further complicate the issue.
Preventive Measures for Users
To avoid account suspension and ensure a smooth booking experience:
- Regularly Use Your Account: Frequent usage prevents your account from being marked as inactive.
- Limit Passenger Entries: Keep your master passenger list concise to avoid suspicion of commercial activity.
- Avoid Rapid Booking: Book tickets at a normal pace to prevent triggering bot detection systems.
- Use Official Channels: Always book tickets through the official IRCTC website or app to avoid scams.
Conclusion
IRCTC’s decisive actions in 2025 have significantly improved the integrity of the Tatkal ticket booking system, ensuring fair access for genuine users. By understanding the reasons behind account suspensions and adopting preventive measures, users can safeguard their accounts and enjoy a hassle-free booking experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why was my IRCTC account suspended without notice?
A1: Accounts may be suspended due to inactivity, suspicious booking patterns, or exceeding passenger list limits.
Q2: How can I reactivate my suspended IRCTC account?
A2: Contact IRCTC customer support via phone or email, providing necessary identification and account details.
Q3: Is linking Aadhaar mandatory for IRCTC accounts?
A3: Yes, linking Aadhaar enhances account security and reduces fraudulent activities.
Q4: Can I create multiple IRCTC accounts?
A4: No, creating multiple accounts is against IRCTC’s policies and may lead to suspension.
Q5: How can I avoid being scammed while booking tickets?
A5: Always use official IRCTC platforms and avoid third-party agents or websites.
