By extending Aadhaar-based OTP verification across a vast network of trains for online Tatkal bookings, Indian Railways has greatly strengthened security around the Tatkal ticketing system.
In response to a parliamentary question in the lower house today, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, “Aadhaar-based OTP verification for online Tatkal ticket buying is currently functioning in 322 trains.”
Aadhaar-based OTP for Tatkal reservations at reservation counters has also been gradually implemented with the goal of bolstering the security features of the railway ticket booking system. 322 trains had successfully used the Aadhaar OTP verification procedure for rail reservations as of December 4.
What is the OTP verification system for Aadhaar?
When you book a Tatkal ticket, the Aadhaar OTP verification system, a security feature, utilizes your Aadhaar-linked mobile number to verify your identity. The function was added to the booking process, according to the government, to stop fraudulent or duplicate IRCTC accounts from abusing it.
Due to bots, abuse, and phony IDs, Tatkal tickets for some of the most popular trains used to be reserved in a matter of seconds or minutes. Aadhaar OTP verification is now preventing bots and phony accounts. Tatkal tickets, which are now intended to be accessible for a longer period of time, should be easier to obtain for legitimate customers.
Additionally, the minister reported that user accounts had undergone thorough revalidation and verification. In one of the biggest campaigns against ticket fraud, the ministry terminated nearly 3.02 crore suspect user IDs as part of a significant cleanup of the IRCTC database.
The booking system has incorporated anti-bot solutions like Akamai to prevent automated scripts and provide equitable access for legitimate customers. The minister further mentioned that complaints about suspiciously booked PNRs had been made on the National Cyber Crime Portal.
Vaishnaw told the Lok Sabha earlier today, “The verified Tatkal ticket availability time has risen in nearly 95% of the 96 popular trains as a result of this measure.”
