IRCTC’s Tatkal Scheme Targeted by Tech-Driven Ticketing Racket
The Indian Railways’ Tatkal booking system—meant for last-minute travelers—is being exploited by a network of illegal online operators who use bots and Aadhaar-authenticated accounts to monopolize bookings, leaving genuine users stranded.
How the Racket Operates
An investigation by India Today’s OSINT team revealed that over 40 Telegram and WhatsApp groups are part of this elaborate network. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. The modus operandi involves:
- Selling Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC user IDs for as low as ₹360
- Using bots to autofill login, passenger, and payment details
- Evading detection through Virtual Private Servers (VPS) to mask IPs
- Offering malware-infected bots that not only book tickets but also steal user data
Some bots identified include Dragon, JETX, Ocean, Black Turbo, and Formula One, sold via shady websites for ₹999 to ₹5,000 each.
Government Crackdown Begins
In response, the Ministry of Railways has mandated Aadhaar-based authentication for Tatkal bookings effective July 1, 2025. Other key moves:
- Agent bookings are banned for the first 30 minutes of Tatkal window opening
- IRCTC has deployed anti-bot AI systems
- 2.5 crore fake IRCTC accounts have been suspended so far
A ministry release noted that bots account for up to 50% of login attempts in the first five minutes of Tatkal bookings, choking access for real users.
User Safety at Risk
Besides unethical ticket booking, the bots pose a serious cybersecurity threat. Malware scans on one bot APK revealed Trojan-like behavior, capable of stealing user credentials. This raises red flags for data privacy, especially with the misuse of Aadhaar-linked IDs.
Conclusion
Despite regulations, India’s e-ticketing black market remains resilient. The challenge now lies not just in stopping bots but also in securing user data, closing system loopholes, and ensuring fair access for millions of genuine travelers who depend on Tatkal services.
