Context: IRCTC deactivated 2.5 crore suspicious user IDs to curb automated bot bookings and improve genuine user access.
About Digital Drive by IRCTC:
- Features:
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- Deactivation of Suspicious IDs: 2.5 crore fake/suspicious accounts blocked.
- Anti-Bot Systems & CDN Integration: Prevents automated bookings by touts.
- Mobile & Email Revalidation: 20 lakh IDs sent for verification.
- Aadhaar-Based Authentication:
- Non-Aadhaar users face a 3-day wait for Tatkal bookings.
- Aadhaar-verified users get instant access.
- Cybercrime Complaints: 131 complaints filed against fraudulent users.
- Need:
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- Tackle Black Marketing: Bots/scalpers block tickets, harming genuine passengers.
- Improve Website Efficiency: Reduces server load during peak booking (e.g., Tatkal).
- Enhance Security: Prevents cyber fraud and unauthorized bookings.
- Significance:
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- Fair Access: Ensures real users get tickets, not touts.
- Tech Modernization: Uses AI, CDN, and Aadhaar for secure transactions.
- Record Efficiency: Enabled IRCTC’s record single-day (16.17 lakh tickets) and single-minute (31,814 tickets) bookings.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus
- Governance:
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- E-Governance: IRCTC’s digital drive showcases how technology improves transparency and efficiency in public service delivery.
- Digitization of Public Services: The use of Aadhaar-based authentication highlights the push for secure, user-friendly digital governance.
- Internal Security:
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- Cybercrime Prevention: The crackdown on bot traffic and fraudulent bookings reflects measures to combat cyber threats in critical infrastructure.
- Aadhaar-Based Authentication: Strengthens identity verification, reducing fraud and ensuring secure digital transactions.
- Economy:
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- Digital Infrastructure: IRCTC’s integration with CDN and anti-bot systems demonstrates advancements in digital public infrastructure.
