An RTI inquiry has revealed that Indian Railways has amassed a substantial sum of Rs 6112 crore from ticket cancellations over the four-year period from 2019 to 2023.
This disclosure came from the Railway Ministry in response to an RTI filed by a social activist from Raipur. The annual breakdown of cancellation revenues shows significant figures: Rs 1724.44 crore in 2019-20, Rs 710.54 crore in 2020-21, Rs 1569 crore in 2021-22, and Rs 2109.74 crore in 2022-23. Despite these large numbers, railway officials have downplayed the significance, referring to them as minimal clerical charges that do not contribute significantly to the national transporter’s earnings. However, the increase in passenger fares over the past decade, up by 85%, and the recurring cancellation of passenger trains have brought criticism from the public. An earlier RTI response from SECR indicated that over 67,600 passenger trains were cancelled between 2020 and April 2023. This has led to increased passenger dissatisfaction, with many experiencing inconvenience due to unscheduled train suspensions.
The persistent issues have prompted the petitioner to approach the High Court in Bilaspur. Dubey highlighted the ongoing problems faced by commuters due to unforeseen train cancellations, while freight trains continue to operate without interruption along the same routes. The court has expressed serious concerns and requested the Railways to clarify the policy that prioritises freight trains over passenger services.
The court has also urged the Railways to either provide alternative arrangements for affected passengers or offer clear notifications about the unavailability of services. This would allow passengers to make informed decisions and seek alternative modes of transport. The revelations from the RTI have sparked discussions on the operational priorities and customer service policies of Indian Railways. While the revenue from cancellations is considerable, it raises questions about the balance between freight and passenger services and the overall impact on commuters.
