Railways Eliminate 3 Crore Fake Tatkal IDs in 2025 to Tackle Ticketing Fraud
In a significant move to combat ticketing fraud, Indian Railways has successfully wiped out 3 crore fake Tatkal IDs in the year 2025. This action, announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, aims to curb fraudulent activities that have plagued the popular Tatkal booking system, ensuring fair access to tickets for genuine passengers.
Cybercrime Complaints and Suspicious Bookings
According to official data, 376 complaints have been lodged on the National Cyber Crime Portal in 2025, related to approximately 3.99 lakh suspicious bookings. These complaints highlight the scale of fraudulent attempts to misuse the Tatkal scheme, which offers last-minute reservations at a premium price.
Blocking of Suspicious Email Domains
As part of the crackdown, authorities have blocked 12,819 suspicious email domains used for creating fake IDs and conducting illicit bookings. This proactive measure helps prevent fraudsters from exploiting the online ticketing system, enhancing security and transparency in railway reservations.
Impact on Ticketing System
The elimination of fake IDs is expected to:
- Reduce the incidence of ticket hoarding and black-marketing.
- Improve the availability of Tatkal tickets for legitimate travelers.
- Strengthen cybersecurity measures within the Indian Railways network.
This initiative underscores the government's commitment to leveraging technology and enforcement to safeguard public services. With ongoing monitoring and stricter verification processes, Indian Railways aims to maintain the integrity of its ticketing systems and protect passengers from fraud.
