IRCTC has stepped up its digital crackdown to make online train ticket booking fairer for genuine passengers. The corporation has flagged nearly 9 crore user accounts, with more than 3 crore suspicious IDs deactivated and another 6 crore accounts placed under verification to check their authenticity. The move is aimed at reducing misuse of the reservation system, especially during high-demand booking windows when confirmed tickets often disappear quickly.

Why The Action Matters

The crackdown focuses on fake accounts, suspicious booking patterns and unauthorized digital activity. Reports say IRCTC has also blocked 13,343 suspicious email domains and filed 501 complaints linked to 4.18 lakh suspicious PNRs on the National Cyber Crime Portal. These steps could help reduce unfair ticket booking practices and improve access for regular passengers trying to book regular and Tatkal tickets.

AI Monitoring In Railway Kitchens

Along with ticketing checks, IRCTC is also using technology to improve food hygiene. More than 800 railway kitchens are now being monitored through 2,394 AI-enabled cameras. These cameras can detect hygiene issues such as missing head caps, gloves, poor cleaning, rodents, flies and cockroaches. When a violation is found, alerts are sent for faster corrective action.

Indian Railways has also been strengthening food safety through CCTV monitoring in base kitchens, FSSAI certification, food sampling, third-party audits and surprise inspections. With crores of passengers depending on railway food and online ticket booking, this combined move could improve trust in both railway catering and digital ticketing.