The punctuality of Indian Railways, one of the largest rail networks in the world, has seen a significant decline in recent years, according to a report by the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC). The committee’s findings reveal that the punctuality rate has fallen to 78.67% in the 2024-25 fiscal year (up to August), a sharp decrease from 90.48% in 2021-22. This decline raises concerns about the efficiency and reliability of the country’s vital transportation network, which serves millions of passengers daily.
The Declining Trend: A Snapshot of Punctuality Over the Years
The report by the PAC highlights a troubling trend in train punctuality. In 2015-16, the punctuality rate stood at 77.51%. This figure dropped even further to 69.23% in 2018-19, indicating a clear deterioration in the efficiency of the Railways. However, 2021-22 marked a significant improvement, with the punctuality rate surging to 90.48%. This sharp rise, however, was short-lived, as the rate began to fall again in 2023-24 to 73.62%, followed by a partial recovery to 78.67% in 2024-25.
Punctuality Over the Years:
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2015–16: 77.51%
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2018–19: 69.23%
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2021–22: 90.48%
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2023–24: 73.62%
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2024–25 (up to August): 78.67%
This fluctuation in punctuality is raising alarm bells, especially considering that punctuality is a key performance indicator for Indian Railways, which operates one of the largest and busiest rail networks globally.
Key Factors Contributing to the Decline in Punctuality
Several factors have contributed to the decline in punctuality over recent years. One of the main issues is the aging infrastructure of Indian Railways, which struggles to keep up with the growing demand for services. The rail network, which spans thousands of kilometers, faces challenges in maintaining tracks, stations, and signaling systems, leading to delays.
Additionally, the growing number of trains on congested routes often leads to delays. The lack of dedicated freight corridors, coupled with operational inefficiencies, further exacerbates the situation. While India has made significant investments in infrastructure, these issues are compounded by the sheer volume of trains and passengers, leading to regular delays.
Passenger Impact: A Ripple Effect on Daily Commuters
The decline in punctuality has a direct impact on millions of passengers who rely on Indian Railways for their daily commute. For long-distance passengers, delays can result in missed connections and disrupted travel plans, while local commuters are forced to deal with overcrowded trains and late arrivals.
Many passengers have voiced their frustration with the frequent delays, which often result in longer travel times, added stress, and inconvenience. The lack of consistency in train schedules has also eroded trust in the system, prompting some commuters to seek alternative means of transportation.
Government’s Response and the Way Forward
The Indian government and the Ministry of Railways have been taking steps to address these issues, including the introduction of modern signaling systems, the development of dedicated freight corridors, and the upgrading of stations and tracks. Additionally, the Railways have been exploring ways to reduce train congestion and improve operational efficiency.
However, experts argue that these measures may not be enough unless the underlying issues of infrastructure and operational inefficiencies are addressed more comprehensively. The PAC report stresses the need for a long-term, sustainable approach to improving punctuality, focusing on the modernization of the entire rail network and the implementation of technology to streamline operations.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Indian Railways
The significant drop in punctuality rates over the past few years is a clear wake-up call for Indian Railways to reassess its operations and prioritize improvements. While the system remains one of the largest and most crucial modes of transportation in India, maintaining its credibility and reliability is essential for the millions who depend on it daily.
For Indian Railways to regain its status as a punctual and reliable service, it will need to invest in long-term infrastructure improvements, adopt new technologies, and address operational bottlenecks. The government and the Railways must work together to restore confidence among passengers and ensure that the nation’s rail network continues to serve its purpose effectively.
The falling punctuality rate, as highlighted in the PAC report, is a reminder that despite recent advancements, there is still much work to be done to improve the operational efficiency of Indian Railways. As the country continues to grow, so too must its transport infrastructure, ensuring it meets the needs of a modern, mobile population.
