IRCTC Deactivates Over 2.5 Crore Accounts: Here’s Why It Happened and What Passengers Must Know

In a major digital overhaul, Indian Railways has deactivated more than 2.5 crore user accounts on the IRCTC ticketing platform. The move aims to curb fraudulent activity and make the railway booking system fairer and more transparent, especially as concerns grow over bot-driven ticket grabs and agent misuse.

This sweeping cleanup was revealed in Parliament in response to questions raised by MP A.D. Singh, who flagged irregularities in ticket bookings and rapid disappearance of tickets within minutes of booking windows opening.

Why Were These Accounts Deactivated?

Using advanced data analytics tools, Indian Railways detected unusual and suspicious activity across millions of accounts. Many were either inactive or found to be involved in automated, bot-powered ticket bookings — allowing unauthorized agents to snap up bulk tickets and leaving genuine passengers stranded. In response, Indian Railways deactivated over 2.5 crore such accounts to restore fairness and reduce manipulation in the system.

What’s Changing for Passengers?

The crackdown is part of a wider plan to improve the ticketing process and overall passenger experience:

• Digital Payments at PRS Counters: Offline ticket counters now accept digital payments, offering more convenience.
• More Coaches and Special Trains: Based on demand and waiting lists, Railways is adding extra coaches or deploying special trains on high-traffic routes.
• Schemes Like VIKALP and Upgradation: Waitlisted passengers can be automatically shifted to alternate trains or upgraded to higher classes if seats are available.

Demand Patterns and Tech-Driven Reforms

Railway officials noted that ticket demand fluctuates significantly depending on the train and timing. High-demand trains tend to fill up within minutes, while others have availability. To balance this, the Railways continues to use real-time data tracking, demand analysis, and flexible booking schemes to improve ticket access.

IRCTC Share Dip Follows Deactivation Drive

On July 25, 2025, IRCTC shares closed at ₹746.25 on the NSE — a 1.44% dip for the day. The stock is down 3.14% over the past week and nearly 5% over the month. However, with just a 0.74% decline over three months, analysts suggest that long-term gains could follow if the platform becomes more secure and user-friendly.

What Should Users Do Now?

IRCTC users are advised to:

• Log in and check their account status.
• Ensure Aadhaar verification is completed — especially important for Tatkal bookings.
• Stay informed about upcoming changes to avoid travel disruptions.

This move by Indian Railways marks a significant step toward restoring trust and ensuring a level playing field for all passengers.