Ticket Booking Rules: Millions of passengers across India depend on IRCTC for booking train tickets every day. From daily commuters to long-distance travelers, the platform has become an essential part of modern railway travel. Recently, changes in ticket booking rules have created concern among users, especially regarding the safety of their IRCTC accounts. According to the latest updates, failing to complete a specific mandatory action could lead to account suspension or closure. Understanding these changes is crucial for every IRCTC user to avoid last-minute travel disruptions.
Why IRCTC Updated Its Rules
The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation has been working to improve user security, prevent misuse, and reduce fraudulent activities on its platform. Over the years, multiple cases of fake accounts, unauthorized agents, and automated ticket booking software have affected genuine passengers. To tackle these issues, IRCTC has tightened its policies. The latest rule changes aim to ensure that each account is linked to a real individual and actively used for legitimate ticket booking purposes.
Mandatory Account Verification Requirement
One of the most important changes introduced is mandatory account verification. Users are now required to verify their IRCTC accounts using valid personal information. This includes confirming mobile numbers, email addresses, and identity details as per the updated guidelines. Accounts that remain unverified for a long period may be flagged as inactive or suspicious. If corrective action is not taken within the given timeframe, IRCTC reserves the right to deactivate or permanently close such accounts.
Importance of Mobile Number and Email Verification
A verified mobile number and email address are no longer optional. These details are essential for receiving booking confirmations, OTPs, refunds, and security alerts. IRCTC has observed that many users created accounts years ago and never updated their contact details. Inactive or incorrect information increases the risk of unauthorized access and booking fraud. Users who fail to verify or update these details may face restrictions, including blocked login access.
Aadhaar Linking and Its Role
In recent years, IRCTC has encouraged users to link their Aadhaar with their accounts to increase booking limits and security. While Aadhaar linking may not be mandatory for basic usage, accounts without proper identity verification may face stricter monitoring. Linking Aadhaar helps confirm the authenticity of the user and prevents multiple fake accounts from being created using the same identity. Accounts repeatedly violating booking rules without proper verification are more likely to be suspended.
Inactive Accounts Under Review
IRCTC has also started reviewing accounts that have remained inactive for a long time. Users who have not logged in, updated details, or booked tickets over extended periods may receive alerts asking them to confirm their account status. Ignoring such notifications could result in account closure. This step helps reduce system load and ensures that active users receive better service availability during peak booking hours.
Multiple Account Restrictions
Another key rule focuses on multiple accounts created by a single user. IRCTC strictly prohibits holding more than one account per individual. If the system detects multiple accounts linked to the same personal details, mobile number, or identity proof, all associated accounts may be blocked. Users are advised to keep only one active account and close any duplicate accounts voluntarily to avoid penalties.
Impact on Tatkal and High-Demand Bookings
These rule changes significantly affect users who frequently book Tatkal or high-demand tickets. Verified and compliant accounts receive smoother access during peak booking windows. Unverified or suspicious accounts may face login delays, booking failures, or temporary suspension during critical hours. For travelers who rely on last-minute bookings, ensuring account compliance is now more important than ever.
What Actions Users Must Take Immediately
To keep an IRCTC account active and secure, users should log in and review their profile details as soon as possible. Verifying the registered mobile number and email address should be the top priority. Updating personal information and ensuring accuracy helps prevent account issues. Users should also check for official notifications or alerts within their account dashboard and act promptly on any instructions provided.
Consequences of Ignoring the Rules
Ignoring the updated rules can lead to serious inconvenience. Account suspension may result in loss of booking history, stored passenger details, and refund tracking. In some cases, permanently closed accounts cannot be restored, forcing users to start the registration process again. During peak travel seasons, this can be particularly frustrating and may lead to missed travel opportunities.
Tips to Keep Your IRCTC Account Safe
Maintaining account security goes beyond just verification. Users should avoid sharing login credentials, use strong passwords, and log out after each session, especially on shared devices. Keeping personal information up to date and regularly monitoring account activity helps prevent unauthorized access. Being cautious with third-party apps or agents claiming faster bookings is also important, as misuse can result in account penalties.
Final Advice for IRCTC Users
The recent changes in ticket booking rules are designed to protect genuine passengers and improve the overall booking experience. While the possibility of account closure may sound alarming, following the guidelines is simple and requires minimal effort. By taking timely action, users can ensure uninterrupted access to ticket booking services and avoid unnecessary stress. Staying informed and proactive is the best way to keep your IRCTC account safe, active, and ready whenever travel plans arise.