Indian Railways has reported a significant boost in its passenger revenue, earning Rs 12,159.35 crore during the peak festive months of September and October 2024. This surge, driven primarily by a sharp increase in ticket sales, underscores the essential role of the national transporter in facilitating mass travel across India during high-demand periods.
The festive season is one of the most critical times for Indian Railways, with millions of Indians travelling home to celebrate with family, especially during festivals like Durga Puja and Diwali. Between September 1 and November 10, 2024, the railways saw an impressive 143.71 crore passengers using its services, reflecting the transportation network’s significant capacity to meet seasonal travel demands. Among the railway zones, the Central Railway Zone emerged as the busiest, registering 31.63 crore passengers. In response to the increased demand, Indian Railways went the extra mile by operating 7,983 special train trips from October 1 to November 30, 2024. These additional services helped to ease overcrowding, providing more capacity for passengers to reach their destinations in a timely manner, avoiding the stress of long wait times and overbooked trains. This move not only facilitated smoother travel but also contributed significantly to the increased earnings.
However, while the financial numbers are impressive, there are concerns on the ground regarding the high demand for tickets. Passengers often face challenges such as limited availability and expensive last-minute bookings. Furthermore, despite the substantial increase in special trains, overcrowding continues to be an issue, especially in highly-trafficked zones during peak times. Despite these challenges, the festive season’s contribution to Indian Railways’ revenue highlights its strategic importance to India’s transportation infrastructure. The substantial revenue generated provides a much-needed boost to the public sector, which continues to face financial pressures. It also reinforces the government’s focus on enhancing railway services to keep pace with the growing demand for mass transportation, especially in urban and semi-urban areas.
From a sustainability perspective, Indian Railways has been making strides to ensure that it meets growing demand without compromising the environment. However, critics point out that the carbon footprint of the railways is still significant, with train operations contributing to air and noise pollution. The future of Indian Railways hinges on adopting greener technologies, such as electric and hydrogen-powered trains, to reduce its ecological impact while meeting the evolving travel needs of the population. For the average Indian passenger, the festive season brings mixed emotions. While the convenience of affordable and accessible travel through the extensive railway network is a major benefit, the overcrowding and high fares for last-minute bookings add to the stress of travel. As the railway system continues to grow, finding a balance between high demand, affordability, and sustainability will be key to its success.
