Massive Crackdown on BOT Bookings; Website Access Strengthened for Genuine Users
In a major push for transparency and digital security, Indian Railways has rolled out a series of technological upgrades to its ticketing system, significantly curbing unauthorized automated bookings. Using advanced AI-based BOT mitigation tools and integrating services from a leading Content Delivery Network (CDN), the Railways has made its platform faster and more accessible for genuine users.
BOT traffic, which typically floods the system during the first five minutes of Tatkal bookings—contributing to nearly 50% of login attempts—has now been effectively neutralized. This has led to the deactivation of over 2.5 crore suspicious user IDs.
Marking a milestone, a record 31,814 tickets were booked in a single minute on May 22, 2025, showcasing the platform’s enhanced scalability and reliability.
To ensure fairness, Indian Railways has introduced new protocols: users not verified via Aadhaar must wait three days post-registration to book Opening ARP, Tatkal, or Premium Tatkal tickets, while Aadhaar-verified users face no such delay.
Improvements have also driven strong growth in user engagement. Average daily logins rose from 69.08 lakh in FY 2023–24 to 82.57 lakh in FY 2024–25—an increase of 19.53%. Daily ticket bookings also grew by 11.85%. E-ticketing now accounts for 86.38% of all reserved ticket bookings.
Major System Upgrades Include:
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87% of static content delivered through CDN, reducing load times
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Real-time AI-based BOT detection and blocking
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Deactivation of suspicious user IDs and complaint support via Cyber Crime Portal
Indian Railways, through IRCTC, remains committed to delivering a seamless, secure, and equitable ticket booking experience, continuing its mission of modernization for millions of passengers across India.
