Indian Railways to Use AI and Biometric Verification to Combat Ticket Touting
The menace of ticket touting continues to plague Indian Railways, particularly during peak travel seasons, despite various attempts to curb the issue. To address this, the Railway Protection Force (RPF) is stepping up its efforts by integrating advanced technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, to fight the growing issue of black marketing and touting.
In a significant move to tackle this problem, a senior RPF official stated that the organisation will use behavioural pattern analysis to scrutinise ticket bookings. AI systems will now monitor booking behaviours, identifying anomalies that could point to touting activities. By leveraging real-time fraud detection, these systems can identify suspicious transactions and act immediately to prevent any illegal activity. Additionally, dynamic IP monitoring will help block multiple bookings from the same IP address or through the use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), which touts often exploit to bypass the system.
Another crucial aspect of this initiative is the introduction of biometric verification for ticket bookings. The new biometric system will link ticket bookings to individual biometric data, including fingerprint scanning, for authentication during inspections. This step will ensure the authenticity of each transaction and prevent fraudulent activities. The use of cloud-based systems will enable real-time processing of ticketing data, further strengthening the detection and prevention of fraudulent bookings. Predictive analytics will also play a significant role in improving security. By analysing historical data, these advanced systems will help anticipate potential vulnerabilities during busy travel periods or on routes prone to ticket touting, allowing for preventive action before issues arise.
To support these initiatives, the RPF has equipped its cyber cells with cutting-edge software to dismantle touting networks. These units have been actively monitoring booking patterns, targeting operations at ticket counters, and raiding cybercafes, where touts often operate. In collaboration with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the RPF has successfully deactivated numerous suspicious accounts, and strict penalties, including imprisonment, are being imposed on offenders under the Railways Act. Advanced surveillance tools, such as CCTV cameras, are now used in conjunction with real-time monitoring of online booking platforms to keep a close eye on potentially fraudulent activity. With these tools, the RPF is improving its ability to track and prevent touting, providing better access to genuine passengers.
The efforts to curb touting are part of a broader initiative to ensure fairness and transparency in ticketing, which has been severely impacted by illegal practices. The RPF’s focus is to safeguard the public’s trust in the system by ensuring that all passengers have equal access to train tickets without being exploited by touts. Officials from the South Western Railway (SWR) have expressed that the issue of ticket touting severely undermines public faith in the fairness of the railway system, and these new technological solutions are seen as crucial steps towards providing equitable access to railway services for all passengers. By combining AI, biometric technology, and predictive analytics, Indian Railways aims to create a more secure, transparent, and efficient ticketing system. This initiative not only targets ticket touting but also sets the stage for more extensive digital solutions in railway services, enhancing both security and passenger experience.
