Train Operations Surpass Pre-Covid Levels with Over 90% Punctuality: Government
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Synopsis
On March 19, the Indian government announced that the total number of trains in operation has surpassed pre-Covid levels, reflecting improved reliability and service delivery. The on-time performance has exceeded 90%, with significant advancements made in various areas.
Key Takeaways
- Trains in operation exceed pre-Covid levels.
- On-time performance has reached over 90%.
- 49 out of 68 divisions have over 80% punctuality.
- 129 railway stations modernized as part of a redevelopment programme.
- Transition to 97% electrified operations to achieve Net Zero.
New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) The total number of trains in operation has now surpassed pre-Covid levels, showcasing the Indian Railways' dedication to reliability and enhanced service delivery, as reported by the government.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the Railways has achieved an on-time performance exceeding 90 per cent due to the implementation of advanced signalling systems, real-time monitoring, AI-driven scheduling, and predictive maintenance.
During his address in the Lok Sabha, the minister emphasized that out of 68 railway divisions, 49 have surpassed 80 per cent punctuality, with 12 divisions reaching an impressive 95 per cent.
This improved efficiency has led to smoother train operations, benefiting both passengers and freight services. Currently, the Indian Railways operates over 13,000 passenger trains, including 4,111 Mail and Express trains, 3,313 Passenger trains, and 5,774 Suburban trains.
The minister also mentioned the modernisation of railway stations, with 129 stations already completed and many more set to be operational by 2025-26 as part of the world's largest station redevelopment programme.
He further highlighted the significant growth of the Kolkata Metro, where 38 km of metro lines have been added in just a decade, compared to only 28 km in the preceding 42 years.
Vaishnaw also underscored the ambitious Bullet Train project as a transformative step toward modern, high-speed rail connectivity, ensuring world-class infrastructure for future generations.
In alignment with the government's commitment to environmental sustainability, Indian Railways has initiated several measures to achieve Net Zero Carbon Emission (Scope 1) by 2025.
A critical advancement has been the transition from diesel to electric traction, with 97 per cent of railway operations already electrified, and the final 3 per cent close to completion.
With projected emissions for 2024-25 estimated at 20 lakh tonnes and available offsets reaching 22 lakh tonnes, Indian Railways is well-equipped to meet its Net Zero target ahead of schedule, according to the minister.
