Latest news with #VandeBharat
News18
11 hours ago
- News18
Indian Railways Hits Record 81 Cr Reserved Bookings In 2024-25, 65% Jump Since 2014-15
Last Updated: Numbers suggest that reserved travel is rising steadily, while non-suburban unreserved travel shows a declining trend The reserved train travel in Indian Railways touched a record in 2024-25 with almost 81 crore passenger bookings across the network, except the Konkan zone, official data accessed by News18 shows. Reserved bookings in 2024-25 rose 65% from 49 crore in 2014-15 and 40% from 59 crore in 2019-20. The numbers suggest that reserved travel is rising steadily, while non-suburban unreserved travel shows a declining trend. However, in absolute numbers, unreserved passengers still far outnumber those in reserved classes. Non-suburban trains—medium and long distance—have broadly two categories of tickets: unreserved and reserved. Unreserved does not offer reserved seating. These tickets are for general coaches, offering seats on a first-come, first-served basis. For reserved classes, including sleeper and AC classes, seats are confirmed. Suburban trains, more famous as local trains, are short-distance trains primarily operating within 100-150 km around a metropolitan city. Daily averages In terms of daily average, in 2024-25, the number of passengers opting for reserved class was 22 lakh as against 65 lakh opting for unreserved travel per day. Clubbed with the suburban class, in 2024-25, on average, about two crore passengers travelled daily on Indian Railways, except the Konkan Zone. In 2014-15, the total passengers were 2.25 crore, mainly from unreserved suburban and non-suburban. In 2014-15, over 13 lakh passengers booked reserved class tickets per day on average as against 89 lakh opting for unreserved class daily, the analysis shows. Unreserved travel in non-suburban trains peaked in 2014-15 with 324 crore passengers. The category has registered a consistent drop since then. In 2024-25, 236 crore passenger bookings were done in the unreserved category–around a 30% drop since 2014-15. Even in the pre-Covid years, the numbers were dropping. In 2019-20, 291 crore unreserved tickets were sold. Why are more people choosing reserved? A senior railway ministry official told News18 that more passengers are choosing reserved travel, possibly due to health safety and hygiene concerns post-pandemic and also due to greater availability of trains and digital ticketing for reserved class. 'At the same time, train tickets are affordable and offer great comforts with trains like Vande Bharat," the official said, requesting anonymity. Another official added that rising middle-class incomes and better affordability allow more passengers to opt for reserved classes. Also, better income, clubbed with better roads, has allowed commuters to drive between cities or take public buses instead of trains. The increase in the reserved class is also due to sufficient trains and better seat management. 'There is no doubt that the reserved class offers a better travel experience. Cleaner coaches and guaranteed seats are attractive, especially for those travelling for longer journeys. Also, in the case of solo travellers, women, and the elderly, reserved coaches are safer compared to crowded unreserved coaches," the second official said. General and non-AC sleeper class accounts for 70% coaches As of April 2024, 70% of Indian Railways' 79,000 coaches—about 56,000—were general or non-AC sleeper class, while the remaining were AC class. In terms of seats, out of the 65 lakh seats, 14 lakh are in the AC class and 51 lakh in general and sleeper. During 2019-20 and 2023-24, AC class travel accounted for 18 per cent of seat bookings and 47% of revenue, while non-AC travel—general and sleeper—accounted for 82% of seat bookings and 53% of revenue, railway data shows. As shown in the graph, the reserved class booking is setting new records every year, the unreserved bookings in the suburban section and the overall passenger bookings across the sections are yet to surpass the pre-Covid numbers. Revenue: Daily earnings hit Rs 207 crore in 2024-25 Revenue generated by Indian Railways from passenger operations has increased from Rs 42,190 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 50,669 crore in 2019-20 and Rs 75,500 crore in 2024-25. Barring the pandemic years, passenger revenue has grown steadily, as shown in the graph. In terms of the average daily passenger revenue generated, the growth is from Rs 116 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 139 crore in 2019-20. Following the pandemic abating, the revenue touched Rs 174 crore daily in 2022-23 and eventually Rs 207 crore in 2024-25. Flexi fare, Tatkal, and Premium Tatkal schemes contributed about 6% of total passenger revenue since 2019-20. top videos View all In 2023-24, the passenger earnings were Rs 70,693 crore—close to 95% of these earnings came from non-suburban passengers, with second and sleeper class mail and express passengers comprising 42.91% of the total passenger earnings. Suburban traffic contributed 4.05% to the total earnings in 2023-24, the ministry data shows. With data indicating a steady shift towards reserved travel, Indian Railways—backed by cleaner coaches, digital ticketing, and a growing middle class—is evolving into a more comfortable, commuter-first transport system. About the Author Nivedita Singh Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @ More Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : numberspeak railway train travel Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 28, 2025, 08:00 IST News india Indian Railways Hits Record 81 Cr Reserved Bookings In 2024-25, 65% Jump Since 2014-15
Hindustan Times
12 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Safety scare: Vande Bharat Express to Bengaluru halts due to ‘hot axle'. What is it and how it happens
In a safety scare, a Vande Bharat Express traveling from Dharwad to Bengaluru was brought to a halt at Davangere on Friday afternoon after an overheated axle was identified in coach C4, according to South Western Railway (SWR), news agency PTI reported. A Vande Bharat train (HT File Photo) The issue came to light at approximately 3:30 pm, when a level crossing gatekeeper near Amaravati Colony spotted signs of a 'hot axle'. ALSO READ | Aboard flagship Vande Bharat: Leaking coach roof soaks passengers; video sparks outrage What is a 'hot axle' and how it happens 'Hot axle' is a condition where abnormal friction within the axle can produce intense heat, smoke, or even fire. A foreign object lodged near the axle likely caused the friction, a railway official told PTI. Such situations, if not addressed immediately, can pose serious safety risks, he said. ALSO READ | Vande Bharat passenger thrashed for refusing seat to BJP MLA, video goes viral As a precaution, the train was stopped and carefully inspected at Davangere. In order to reduce disruption for passengers, alternative travel options were quickly arranged. SWR said that travellers were transferred to Jan Shatabdi Express and Jodhpur Express to continue their journey to Bengaluru. Refreshments were distributed at Arsikere station, and help desks were set up at both KSR Bengaluru (SBC) and Yesvantpur (YPR) stations to provide further assistance. Passengers who were moved to other trains will also receive a fare adjustment refund upon arrival in Bengaluru, officials said. ALSO READ | 'Best gift for our son': Varanasi couple celebrates kid's birthday aboard Kashmir's first Vande Bharat train A total of 502 passengers were on board at the time of the incident. All were safely accommodated and supported by railway personnel throughout the process. South Western Railway issued an apology for the disruption and expressed gratitude to passengers for their understanding and cooperation during the unexpected delay. (With inputs from PTI)
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Chennai to get second AC EMU by October
Chennai: Amid complaints over poor service, high cost, and delays, Chennai's second AC EMU—built at Integral Coach Factory—will be ready in two months and is likely to be launched by October after safety clearances and test runs. When asked if design changes were made after the rake scraped platforms at Pallavaram and Chromepet last month, ICF officials clarified that their coaches follow standard national dimensions, and any mismatch at a few stations should be corrected by Southern Railway. Meanwhile, ICF is also building two non-AC EMU train sets fitted with automatic doors—a feature introduced after a recent Mumbai suburban accident killed four passengers hanging from footboards. Though built in Chennai, these rakes are likely to be allotted to Central Railway, where demand and crowding remain highest. The auto-door mechanism won't allow doors to close unless all passengers board fully, eliminating the common risk of commuters clinging onto doors. The loco pilot will control door operation, and sensors will block movement if anyone hangs out. ICF officials said this model will be tested in Mumbai and extended to other cities like Chennai based on commuter response. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 안구건조 걱정 없이 안전하게! 강남아이원스안과 지금 신청하기 Undo You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai On the Vande Bharat sleeper front, the first rake is currently stationed at New Delhi, where ICF engineers are making minor modifications based on Railway Safety Commissioner feedback. The second rake is expected by August 15, and a third by mid-September. Visiting ICF on Thursday, Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna said, "The Make in India push has made ICF a global rail coach hub. From 3,700 coaches last year, production will touch 4,200 this year." He also inspected the Chennai–Arakkonam–Kanchipuram rail section on Thursday and said the govt will examine building a new railway station near the upcoming Parandur airport. ICF's production calendar for 2025–26 includes 4,356 coaches, including 88 Vande Bharat chair car rakes, 3 Vande Bharat sleepers by September, 8 AC EMUs, and 2 auto-door non-AC EMUs by December.
The Hindu
a day ago
- The Hindu
Vande Bharat encounters ‘hot axle' problem near Harihar, passengers sent by other trains
The Dharwad-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express encountered a 'hot axle' problem near Davangere on Friday forcing the short termination of the service at Davangere itself. Subsequently, passengers were ferried to Bengaluru in two other trains. According to railway authorities, onboard railway staff noticed 'hot axle' (axle that has become excessively hot due to friction) near Amaravati Colony near Harihar. Then, the train was stopped at Davangere station. The incident occurred around 3.30 p.m. All passengers are safe, they said. In all, there were 502 passengers on the Vande Bharat Express and all of them were deboarded at Davangere station and ferried to Bengaluru by the Jan Shatabdi Express and the Jodhpur Express. The railway authorities said that the passengers were provided with food and water at Arsikere Railway Station. Those who had purchased the Vande Bharat ticket over the counter were refunded the balance amount of the difference in train fare. For those who purchased e-ticket, arrangements are being made for refund, they said.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Pilgrims' progress & the railways' look-east policy
The holy city, the abode of Mahaprabhu, Jagannath Puri, is ready for the Rath Yatra. It is a journey of faith for the millions of devotees coming from across the globe. And Bhartiya Rail is at the service of these pilgrims, facilitating their overall experience in the Shreekshetra Puri. Bhartiya Rail, fondly called as the lifeline of the nation, remains committed to the service of all Indians including the pilgrims who consider Rath Yatra as their lifeline. (PTI) The last 11 years have been historic for Odisha's railway infrastructure development. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's purvodaya policy, Odisha's railway budget allocation has seen a 12-times jump to over ₹ 10,500 crore in 2025-26 as compared to the annual average during 2009-14. Since 2014, over 2,100 km of new tracks have been laid in Odisha, more than the entire rail network of Malaysia. Approximately ₹ 73,000 crore worth of projects for constructing new tracks in Odisha are ongoing: 59 Amrit stations are being developed, including 16 stations in aspirational districts; six Vande Bharat services covering 17 districts are operational. The most special contribution of Indian Railways to Odisha is during the Rath Yatra. The railways undertakes the task of serving lakhs of Rath Yatra pilgrims every year. Travel for the pilgrims has been eased. There has been a four times jump in the Rath Yatra special trains over the last 11 years. A total of 1,215 train services including 850 regular and 365 special train services are being provided this year for Jagannath Puri. These services connect many districts of Odisha including aspirational districts of Kalahandi, Balangir, Nuapada, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati and Dhenkanal and interior tribal regions to Shreekshetra Puri. An AI-based real-time demand prediction system has enabled dynamic scheduling. 10 platforms are welcoming the pilgrims this year. Additional ticket counters have also been set up at Puri as well as other railway stations. With the spirit of seva parmo dharma (service is the highest duty) Bhartiya Rail ensures dignity, comfort, and security of the pilgrims during the Rath Yatra. This year marks one of the largest facilitation drives for inclusive pilgrimage travel. The Railways is ready to cater to around 20 lakh passengers with a daily peak of two lakh. A holding space with a capacity to accommodate 25,000 pilgrims has been designated. Adequate arrangements have been made to provide relief from the hot weather. Sufficient food stalls and water booths and coolers have been arranged. An estimated 2.5 lakh free meals will be served to the pilgrims. Sanitation and cleanliness arrangements including modern jet cleaning machines and sewage suction trucks are also in place. A much larger pool of security personnel have been deployed for ensuring safety and security of the pilgrims. They will be supported with CCTVs, drones, and face recognition systems. Accessibility needs of divyangjans (people with disabilities), elderly, women, and medically vulnerable pilgrims have also been taken care of. Medical booths with doctors and paramedics, ambulances, and first-aid counters have been set up. This year, Indian Railways has converted Puri station into a model of inclusive and faith-centred public service. A team of Indian Railways including engineers and technicians is also deployed at the Rath Yatra. This team is responsible for ensuring smooth movement and repair work of the chariots during the Yatra. The team assists in transporting the massive chariots from the construction site to Shree Jagannatha temple. The railways team uses the special screw jacks for ensuring proper positioning, alignment, and forward movement of the chariots on the designated path. It also helps in removing any obstacles and maintaining adequate distance between the chariots. The team accompanies the chariots till the completion of the Yatra. Bhartiya Rail is fondly called as the lifeline of the nation. It remains committed to the service of all Indians including the pilgrims who consider Rath Yatra as their lifeline. Ashwini Vaishnaw is Union minister for railways, electronics & information technology and information and broadcasting. The views expressed are personal.
