Synopsis
Indian Railways has achieved a remarkable operating ratio of 98.32% and reported earnings of Rs 2.65 lakh crore for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, reflecting significant growth in passenger and freight revenues.Key Takeaways
- Operating ratio improved to 98.32%.
- Earnings reached Rs 2.65 lakh crore.
- Passenger revenue increased by 6.4%.
- Freight income rose by 1.7%.
- Enhanced operational efficiency with speed upgrades across 80,000 km.
New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) Indian Railways has reported a significant enhancement in its operating ratio, now at 98.32 per cent, alongside a surge in earnings reaching Rs 2.65 lakh crore for the financial year concluding on March 31, based on official data.
For the fiscal year 2024-25, passenger revenue saw a rise of 6.4 per cent while freight revenue increased by 1.7 per cent.
Indian Railways (IR) has improved its operating ratio, which measures performance efficiency, to 98.32 per cent. This indicates that for every Rs 100 earned, the railways spent Rs 98.32 in 2024-25. In the previous fiscal year 2023-24, the operating ratio was 98.43 per cent, with Rs 98.43 spent for every Rs 100 earned.
Cost-reduction initiatives, including better workforce management and electrification of railway tracks, have resulted in substantial savings, as operating trains with diesel engines is costlier, noted a senior official.
The operational efficiency of IR has been boosted, with the speed potential of 110 kmph for trains now extended across 80,000 km, a significant rise from about 31,000 km in 2014. Additionally, approximately 23,000 km of track has been upgraded from 2014-15 to 2024-25 to support a speed capacity of 130 kmph, he added.
With more travelers opting for reserved seating and an uptick in freight movement, Indian Railways has experienced a rise in earnings during the year.
During the period from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, a total of 715 crore passengers utilized Indian Railways. The data indicates that out of the total in FY25, 81 crore traveled in reserved categories, including AC and sleeper class, while 634 crore were in unreserved classes. This includes suburban travels, which represent over 55 per cent of total ridership and is heavily subsidized.
Furthermore, Indian Railways achieved over 1,617 million tonnes (MT) in originating freight loading compared to 1,590.68 MT in FY24, marking an increase of 1.7 per cent or 26.70 MT from the prior financial year.
Coal remains dominant in the freight mix of Indian Railways, accounting for over 50 per cent. Approximately 822 MT of coal, 89 MT of containers, 51 MT of petroleum, and nearly 50 MT of food grains were transported in FY25. Major commodities in domestic containers include hot rolled coils, ceramic tiles, wall care putty, and rice, as per official records.
Compared to the previous year, domestic coal loading rose by 7.4 per cent, while domestic container loading surged by 19.72 per cent. Additionally, fertilizer loading increased by 1.25 per cent year over year. Due to the higher coal loading by Indian Railways, stock levels at power stations in India reached 57 MT.
