In a bold move, the Ministry of Railways has announced its ambitious goal of eliminating waiting lists entirely in 4-5 years. Sources within the ministry revealed a comprehensive plan to address the increasing demand, particularly for general and sleeper-class coaches.
Sources said that from April to October 2023, the data indicates a significant shift in passenger distribution.
Non-AC coaches, including General and Sleeper classes, witnessed a staggering 95.3 per cent of the total passengers carried, totalling a remarkable 372 crore passengers. This marks a substantial increase of 38 crore passengers compared to the previous year, emphasising the growing preference for economical travel options.
Sources further said that, in contrast, AC coaches accommodated 4.7 per cent of the total passengers carried, summing up to 18.2 crore travellers. Notably, this represents a notable increase of 3.1 crore passengers compared to the previous year.
The overall surge in passenger numbers amounted to 41.1 crore, representing a 92.5 per cent increase in non-AC passengers (general & sleeper class). This shift underscores a changing trend in passenger preferences towards more budget-friendly travel options.
Sources informed that to meet this escalating demand, Indian Railways has significantly expanded its services.
In comparison to pre-COVID days, an additional 562 trains are now operational on a daily basis across the IR network.
This expansion encompasses various categories, with mail/express trains increasing from 1,768 to 2,122, suburban trains from 5,626 to 5,774, and passenger trains from 2,792 to 2,852, resulting in a total of 10,748 trains running each day.
This proactive approach by the Ministry of Railways not only addresses the current surge in demand but also lays the groundwork for achieving a future where waiting lists become a thing of the past, ensuring a smoother and more efficient travel experience for millions of passengers.
(with inputs from ANI)
