Indian Railways Loses Money on Passenger Fares
Indian Railways, one of the largest public transport networks in the world, operates more than 12,000 trains daily, carrying crores of passengers across the country. However, despite its massive operations, the railway network faces significant financial losses due to low passenger fares.
The cost of transporting a single passenger for one kilometre is ₹1.38, but the fare charged is only 73 paise. This means that the railway system offers a discount of around 47% on ticket prices, resulting in an annual loss of nearly ₹60,000 crore. Compared to neighbouring countries, India’s railway fares remain the lowest. In countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, train fares for similar distances are much higher.
Apart from revenue losses, Indian Railways also faces challenges such as overcrowding, long waiting lists, and high demand for seats. To address these issues, authorities have planned several measures, including the development of holding areas at 60 stations to manage seasonal passenger rush. These areas will be equipped with modern security systems, including CCTV cameras and access control.
Additionally, efforts are being made to improve railway safety with the implementation of an automatic train protection system called ‘Kavach.’ This system is expected to cover the entire railway network within the next few years, enhancing passenger safety and preventing accidents.
Despite these financial and operational challenges, Indian Railways remains committed to providing affordable transportation for millions. The government continues to explore ways to balance costs while maintaining its goal of offering accessible and efficient rail travel across the country.
