As the festive season ushers in an increase in travel, the risk of encountering ticket touts also grows. These individuals, often found outside railway stations or bus stops, unlawfully sell train tickets at inflated prices, pressuring passengers into buying from them. To navigate this challenge and ensure a smooth travel experience, IRCTC offers valuable insights.
Steering Clear of Touts
Purchase from Registered Sources: The safest way to secure train tickets is by buying exclusively from registered sources, such as the official IRCTC website or app.
Say No to Touts: Regardless of their persuasive tactics, it’s crucial to never buy tickets from touts. Politely decline and walk away from such offers.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter any suspicious behavior or touting attempts, promptly report them to the railway authorities for action.
Government’s Anti-Tout Initiatives
The government has taken stringent measures to curb touting and protect passengers’ interests.
Operation Uplabdh: Launched in July 2022 in collaboration with the Railway Protection Force (RPF), this operation targeted e-ticketing touts. Over 1,000 touts were apprehended, and more than Rs 1 crore in cash was seized.
Mandatory ID Card Requirement: Passengers must now present their ID cards while booking tickets, making it harder for touts to book tickets in others’ names.
Enhanced IRCTC Platform: The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has improved its website and app, facilitating direct ticket bookings for passengers.
