25 March,2026 02:57 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Pic/PTI
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday informed the Lok Sabha that more than three crore fake user accounts have been removed from the IRCTC portal as part of a major crackdown on ticket touts and fraudulent bookings, reported news agency PTI.
The move is aimed at ensuring fair access to railway tickets for genuine passengers and curbing illegal practices that often lead to artificial scarcity.
Responding to questions during the Question Hour, Vaishnaw said the removal of fake accounts has significantly helped in reducing the influence of touts who exploit the system to block tickets and resell them at higher prices, reported PTI.
He emphasised that these measures are ensuring that genuine passengers now have better access to tickets, particularly during high-demand periods.
Highlighting affordability, the minister noted that a large portion of railway capacity is focused on non-AC travel. Around 78 per cent of seats are in non-air-conditioned categories, while nearly 70 per cent of coaches are general and sleeper class, reported PTI.
This, he said, reflects the government's priority of providing economical travel options for the majority of passengers.
To address overcrowding, especially on long-distance routes, the Railways has operated more than 75,000 special trains in the current financial year.
Vaishnaw added that the number of special trains introduced has increased compared to previous administrations, helping manage peak-season demand and improve passenger convenience, reported PTI.
The minister also highlighted improvements in railway safety, stating that consequential accidents have reduced by nearly 90 per cent due to sustained efforts and investments in infrastructure and monitoring systems, reported PTI.
This marks a significant improvement in operational safety across the railway network.
Vaishnaw reiterated that the government's focus remains on delivering safe, affordable, and comfortable travel experiences. The combined approach of increasing capacity, cracking down on illegal practices, and enhancing safety is aimed at improving overall passenger satisfaction, reported PTI.
Earlier in the day, the Lok Sabha paid tributes to former members Visnu Modi and Datta Meghe, who passed away recently. Speaker Om Birla and members observed a moment of silence in their memory.
The Speaker also urged members to maintain decorum and come prepared with the day's agenda, following disruptions caused by sloganeering in the House.
(With inputs from PTI)
