Surge in General and Sleeper Class Travelers Marks Robust Growth on Indian Railways Network

In a notable trend observed from April to October 2023, there has been a substantial increase in the number of passengers opting for Non-AC coaches, specifically General and Sleeper Class, on the Indian Railways (IR) network. The data reveals a significant shift in passenger preferences and travel patterns during this period.

Key Highlights from April to October 2023:

• Dominance of Non-AC Coaches: Non-AC coaches, including General and Sleeper Class, accounted for a remarkable 95.3% of the total number of passengers carried on the IR network.
• AC Coaches Contribution: In contrast, passengers traveling in AC coaches constituted 4.7% of the total passenger count during this period.
• Increased Non-AC Travelers: A staggering 372 crore passengers chose to travel in Non-AC coaches (General and Sleeper Class), indicating a notable increase of 38 crore compared to the previous year’s figures of 334 crore.
• Rise in AC Travel: Approximately 18.2 crore passengers opted for AC coaches, reflecting a significant growth of 3.1 crore passengers compared to the previous year.
• Overall Passenger Surge: The total number of passengers increased by 41.1 crore during this period, with a remarkable 92.5% surge in Non-AC passengers (General and Sleeper Class).
• Comparison with Pre-Covid Days: A noteworthy comparison reveals that the IR network is currently running 562 additional trains daily compared to the pre-Covid era. The distribution across train categories is as follows:
  • Mail/Express: From 1,768 to 2,122 trains.
  • Suburban: From 5,626 to 5,774 trains.
  • Passenger: From 2,792 to 2,852 trains.

This robust growth in passenger numbers, especially in the Non-AC segment, signifies a changing trend in travel preferences and highlights the adaptability of the Indian Railways network to evolving passenger demands.