Indian Railways and IRCTC have started a new AI-powered system in May 2026 to stop bots and brokers from grabbing Tatkal tickets. This upgrade aims to make ticket booking fairer for common passengers by detecting fraudulent patterns in real-time. The system is part of the Citizen-First Rail Ticketing and AI Scheduling project.
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How does the AI stop ticket brokers?
The new AI Fraud Detection Model monitors booking patterns to identify non-human behavior. It flags accounts that enter passenger data too quickly or process payments in less than one second. To further secure the process, Aadhaar-linked OTP verification is now encouraged, and Aadhaar-verified users get priority access during the first 10 minutes of Tatkal sales.
What are the new benefits for passengers?
Passengers now have more flexibility and better information during their booking journey. The system has introduced several updates to improve the user experience on the website and Rail Connect app.
- Boarding stations can be changed online up to 30 minutes before the train departs.
- AI-based waitlist prediction accuracy has increased from 53% to 94%.
- Booking speed is expected to be five times faster with reduced server load.
Key data on fraud prevention and capacity
| Detail | Data/Action |
|---|---|
| Suspicious IDs blocked (2025) | 3.03 Crore |
| Bot requests blocked (July-Dec 2025) | 60 Billion |
| Max Tatkal tickets in 1 minute (May 22, 2025) | 31,814 |
| PRS System transition start date | August 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does Aadhaar verification help in Tatkal booking?
Aadhaar-linked IRCTC accounts get priority access during the first 10 minutes of Tatkal sales, while authorized agents are barred during this window.
Can I change my boarding station after booking?
Yes, the new system allows passengers to modify their boarding station online up to 30 minutes before the train’s departure.