Indian Railways Achieves Over 90% Punctuality Despite Heavy Passenger Demand

Despite the surge in passenger travel during peak festive seasons such as Holi, Diwali, Chhath, Summer holidays, and Maha Kumbh, Indian Railways has successfully maintained an on-time performance of over 90%. This achievement comes as a result of significant infrastructural advancements, AI-driven scheduling, and real-time monitoring systems.

Addressing the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, highlighted various key developments in Indian Railways, including punctuality, environmental sustainability, and exports under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. He reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming the railway network into a modern, efficient, and eco-friendly transport system.

Impressive Punctuality Levels Across Railway Divisions

According to the minister, out of 68 railway divisions, 49 have already surpassed 80% punctuality, while 12 divisions have achieved an exceptional 95% on-time performance. This improvement has enhanced both passenger and freight operations, ensuring a smoother travel experience. Some of the top-performing railway divisions include:

With more than 13,000 passenger trains currently in operation, including 4,111 Mail and Express trains, 3,313 Passenger trains, and 5,774 Suburban trains, Indian Railways has now exceeded its pre-COVID operational levels.

Record-Breaking Special Train Operations During Festive Seasons

To cater to the growing passenger demand during peak travel seasons, Indian Railways has significantly increased the number of special trains. In the past year alone, thousands of special trains were deployed to manage the festive rush:

• Holi: The number of special trains increased from 241 in 2021-22 to 1,107 in 2024-25.
• Summer Vacation: Around 13,000 special trains were operated.
• Diwali & Chhath: Over 8,000 special trains facilitated smooth travel.
• Maha Kumbh: A record-breaking 17,330 special trains ensured seamless travel for devotees.

This expansion reflects the unwavering commitment of Indian Railways to enhancing passenger convenience and optimising travel management.

‘Make in India’ Initiative Fuels Global Railway Exports

Under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiatives, Indian Railways has expanded its reach beyond domestic operations by exporting rolling stock, including components of the Vande Bharat trains, to international markets such as Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. This move not only strengthens India’s global railway presence but also contributes to economic growth and technological advancements.

A Future-Ready Railway Network

The commitment of Indian Railways to punctuality, efficiency, and sustainability continues to drive its transformation. With the adoption of advanced technologies, increased special train operations, and international expansions, the railway network is poised to further enhance passenger experiences and support India’s economic development. The focus remains on reliability, convenience, and modernisation, ensuring that Indian Railways remains a pillar of the nation’s transport infrastructure.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.