RPF to deploy AI and machine learning technology to combat ticket touting and black marketing

The Railway Protection Force (RPF) is planning to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) to scrutinize booking behaviours in an effort to identify anomalies indicative of touting activities and deploy Machine Learning algorithms to detect and halt suspicious transactions in real time.

A statement issued by Inspector General and Principal Chief Security Commissioner of Southern Railways G.M. Eswara Rao stated that the dynamic IP monitoring systems will identify and block multiple bookings originating from the same IP address.

“The persistent issue of ticket touting and black marketing in Indian Railways ticketing system represents a substantial challenge, particularly during peak travel periods. These illicit activities not only compromise the equitable access to tickets for legitimate passengers but also undermine public confidence in the railway system,” the statement noted.

RPF Mysuru has booked a total of 25 cases of touting during 2023 and 2024 and collected a fine amount of ₹ 55,000 from 10 cases reported in 2023 and ₹78,000 from 15 cases booked in 2024. “All the offenders were convicted,” said an RPF official.

RPF’s cyber cells meticulously examine booking patterns to identify anomalies and conduct pin-pointed operations targeting cybercafes and other ticketing counters. “These proactive measures have resulted in the confiscation of unauthorized tickets and the apprehension of numerous touts, significantly, disrupting their illicit revenue generational sources,” the statement said.

Utilizing advanced technological tools, the RPF conducts continuous surveillance of online booking platforms. By monitoring suspicious activities, including bulk bookings and irregular transactions, and deploying CCTV at ticket counters, the RPF has strengthened its capacity to detect and prevent black marketing effectively, the statement said.

Also, the RPF closely collaborates with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to identify and deactivate suspicious accounts. “This collaborative initiative seeks to prevent the misuse of both agent and personal user IDs, thereby ensuring a more secure and transparent ticketing system,” the statement said.

The RPF has equipped its cyber cells with state-of-the-art software and hardware to track and dismantle ticketing syndicates effectively. This technological advancement enables the force to counter increasingly sophisticated touting networks.

“Offenders engaged in ticket touting face severe penalties under the Railways Act including imprisonment. Recent judicial rulings have highlighted the gravity of the issue by categorizing ticket touting as a social crime,” the statement noted.

Claiming that the initiatives undertaken by RPF had yielded significant results, the statement said numerous high-profile touting syndicates have been dismantled and thousands of offenders have been apprehended. “These efforts have led to the recovery of large quantities of illegal tickets, thereby curbing large-scale black marketing and restoring public confidence in the railway system,” the statement added.