Indian Railways Leverages AI to Combat Ticket Touting and Ensure Fair Travel
Indian Railways Leverages AI to Combat Ticket Touting and Ensure Fair Travel. Ticket touting, the illegal practice of reselling railway tickets at inflated prices, has long been a thorn in the side of Indian Railways, especially during peak travel seasons. To combat this growing menace, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) is implementing cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning technologies. These tools aim to disrupt the touting networks and ensure that tickets remain accessible to all passengers at fair prices.
AI is playing a pivotal role in helping the RPF identify and stop ticket touting in real-time. According to a senior RPF official, the use of behavioural pattern analysis will allow AI systems to scrutinise booking activities, flagging any unusual patterns that may indicate fraudulent behaviour. “This system will instantly identify and halt suspicious transactions,” the official explained. By analysing the way tickets are booked, the AI can detect anomalies such as the use of multiple accounts, frequent high-volume bookings, and patterns that suggest touting activities. Additionally, dynamic IP monitoring will play a crucial role in blocking multiple bookings originating from the same IP address, as well as from suspicious sources such as Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). These actions aim to prevent touts from circumventing the system to monopolise tickets and sell them at inflated prices.
In a further move to enhance the security and integrity of ticket bookings, Indian Railways is also set to introduce biometric verification for passengers. This system will link ticket bookings to biometric data, such as fingerprints, to ensure that the person who booked the ticket is the one actually travelling. This added layer of verification will be implemented at booking counters and during ticket inspections. The use of biometric technology will not only provide authenticity to the transaction but will also allow real-time processing of ticketing data through cloud-based systems. These systems will integrate predictive analytics to anticipate and prevent touting activities on high-demand routes and during peak travel seasons. These technological advancements will undoubtedly have significant benefits for passengers. Firstly, the introduction of AI-powered systems and biometric verification will ensure that tickets remain accessible to the general public, preventing black market operations that often lead to inflated prices and limited availability.
Moreover, passengers will experience greater peace of mind, knowing that the integrity of their ticketing process is being actively safeguarded. As RPF officials and cyber cells intensify their monitoring, ticket touts will find it increasingly difficult to operate undetected, improving the overall travel experience for genuine customers. Additionally, these measures will help bolster public trust in the railway system. As the RPF deploys advanced surveillance tools, including CCTV cameras and real-time monitoring of online booking platforms, passengers can rest assured that the authorities are taking robust steps to eliminate touting activities and ensure that the ticketing system remains fair and transparent. The efforts to combat ticket touting are supported by strict penalties. Offenders found guilty of engaging in touting activities will face severe consequences under the Railways Act, which includes imprisonment. The recent judicial rulings recognise ticket touting as a social crime, reinforcing the need for a strict legal framework to deter such illegal activities.
The RPF is also collaborating closely with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to deactivate suspicious accounts and prevent illegal practices from infiltrating the system. These combined efforts underscore Indian Railways’ commitment to protecting passengers from the exploitation of touts. With these technological innovations, Indian Railways is poised to not only improve its ticketing system but also enhance overall passenger safety and satisfaction. As AI and biometric systems are rolled out, the day-to-day operations will become more efficient and secure, making rail travel in India a more reliable and equitable experience for all. The move to implement AI-based solutions and biometric verification marks a significant step towards ensuring a fair, transparent, and accessible railway system for all passengers. As touting is curtailed and ticketing integrity is upheld, Indian Railways continues its journey towards modernisation, building a stronger, more customer-centric future for the nation’s vast railway network.
