95.3% railway passengers between April-October were in non-AC classes
During the period between April and October 2023, the Indian Railways reported that a substantial majority of passengers, amounting to 95.3 per cent of the total 390.2 crores, travelled in general and sleeper classes. In contrast, only 4.7 percent of passengers opted for AC coaches during this period. This data provides insights into the preferences of railway passengers in terms of class accommodations.
According to railway officials, there was a notable increase in the number of passengers traveling in general and sleeper classes between April and October 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year. The Railways recorded a total of 390.2 crore passengers across all categories during these seven months in 2023. This figure represents an increase of 41.1 crore passengers (11.7 percent) compared to the corresponding period in 2022, which stood at 349.1 crore passengers.
Breaking down the numbers further, out of the additional 41.1 crore passengers, 38 crore individuals (92.5 percent) chose non-AC classes, which include general and sleeper classes. The remaining 3.1 crore passengers (7.5 percent) preferred the comfort of air-conditioned coaches. This distribution highlights the continued popularity of general and sleeper classes among railway travelers, indicating a substantial demand for these affordable and widely accessible travel options provided by the Indian Railways.
The detailed breakdown of passenger travel between April and October 2023 reinforces the prevailing trend observed in Indian Railways. Out of the total 390.2 crore passengers, 95.3 percent, or approximately 372 crore individuals, opted for non-AC coaches, including general and sleeper classes. The remaining 4.7 percent, constituting about 18.2 crore passengers, chose to travel in AC coaches.
This breakdown underscores the overwhelming preference for general and sleeper classes among railway passengers during this period. The majority of travelers have consistently chosen these non-AC options, highlighting the significance of affordable and widely accessible travel choices provided by general and sleeper classes. The smaller percentage of passengers opting for AC classes suggests that, despite the availability of air-conditioned coaches, a significant portion of the railway-going population continues to favor the more economical non-AC options offered by Indian Railways.
The Indian Railways has provided an update on its operational capacity, revealing a significant increase in the number of trains running daily compared to the pre-Covid era. Presently, 10,748 trains operate every day, marking an increase of 562 trains from the pre-Covid period when 10,186 trains ran daily.
Among the various categories of trains, mail and express trains have seen the highest surge, rising from 1,768 in the pre-Covid period to 2,122 in the current scenario. Additionally, there has been an expansion in the number of suburban trains, which connect suburbs and cities, from 5,626 to 5,774.
The Indian Railways has demonstrated a proactive response to the evolving needs of daily commuters, particularly within cities, by introducing a substantial increase in the number of trains dedicated to this purpose. Recognizing the significance of efficient and reliable transportation services for daily passengers, the Railways has rolled out 2,852 trains specifically tailored for daily commuters. This marks a noteworthy elevation from the pre-Covid figure of 2,792 trains, showcasing a commitment to adapt to the changing demands of urban travel.
This initiative is strategically designed to address the growing number of daily passengers, emphasizing the Railways’ dedication to meeting the transportation needs of urban populations. By introducing a higher volume of trains dedicated to daily commuting, the Railways aims to enhance connectivity and convenience for passengers who rely on the rail network for their regular travel within cities.
The Railway official’s statement regarding the intention to introduce more trains across all categories further underscores the commitment to optimizing operational capacity. This forward-looking approach aligns with the Railways’ goal of not only accommodating the current surge in daily passengers but also preparing for future increases in demand. The strategic expansion of train services reflects a comprehensive effort to ensure that the rail network remains a reliable and accessible mode of transportation, contributing to the overall efficiency and connectivity of the public transportation system.
