New Delhi, March 25
Over three crore fake accounts on the IRCTC portal have been removed in a major effort to curb touts selling train tickets, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said on Wednesday. He added that about 78 per cent of seats on trains fall under non-AC categories, ensuring affordable travel for passengers.
Speaking during the Question Hour in the Lok Sabha on overcrowding in long-distance trains, Vaishnaw highlighted that over 75,000 special trains have been operated so far this financial year. He emphasised that the removal of fake accounts is helping genuine passengers secure train tickets.
The minister also noted that roughly 70 per cent of train coaches are general and sleeper class, while the majority of seats remain in non-AC categories. Comparing current operations to the previous UPA government, he said more special trains have been introduced during peak seasons.
Vaishnaw further pointed out that railway safety has improved significantly, with consequential accidents dropping by 90 per cent.
Earlier in the day, the House paid tributes to former members Visnu Modi and Datta Meghe, who passed away this month. Members and Speaker Om Birla stood in silence to honour the departed leaders.
Before mentioning the obituary references, Birla urged the members to come to the House after going through the agenda for the day as some members were shouting slogans.
