Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha that Indian Railways has not increased passenger fares since the COVID-19 pandemic. He also mentioned that India’s train fares are much lower than those of neighboring countries.
Cost of Running a Train for 1 KM
According to the minister:
- The cost of running a train for 1 kilometer is ₹1.38.
- However, passengers only pay ₹0.73 per kilometer.
- This means Indian Railways recovers only 53% of the cost from passengers and gives a 47% discount.
Railways Gives ₹60,000 Crore Subsidy to Passengers
Minister Vaishnaw stated that Indian Railways provides a ₹60,000 crore subsidy to passengers. He compared fares with neighboring countries:
- In India, a 350 KM journey costs ₹121.
- In Pakistan, it costs ₹436.
- In Bangladesh, it costs ₹323.
- In Sri Lanka, it costs ₹416.
- In European countries, train fares are 15-20 times higher than in India.
Indian Railways Profits ₹3,000 Crore
Despite challenges during COVID-19, Indian Railways has become self-sustaining.
- Total expenses: ₹2.75 lakh crore
- Total revenue: ₹2.78 lakh crore
- Profit: ₹3,000 crore
The biggest expenses include:
- ₹1.16 lakh crore for infrastructure
- ₹66,000 crore for salaries and pensions
- ₹32,000 crore for energy costs
- ₹25,000 crore for financing
India Among Top 3 in Freight Transport
Indian Railways is now among the top 3 countries in freight transport, behind only China and the USA.
- India transports 1.6 trillion tons of goods per year, a record-breaking achievement.
- In the last 10 years, India has built 34,000 KM of new railway tracks, more than Germany’s entire railway network.
- 50,000 KM of old tracks have been replaced.
- Indian Railways now carries 720 crore passengers per year.
Indian Railway Equipment is Exported Worldwide
Indian Railways has also become a major exporter of railway equipment:
- Metro coaches are being exported to Australia and the UK.
- Railway bogies are being sent to Saudi Arabia and France.
- Locomotives from Bihar will soon be exported worldwide.
- Railway wheels made in Tamil Nadu will be exported globally.
Focus on Passenger Safety
Minister Vaishnaw also emphasized that Indian Railways is improving passenger safety and working on better infrastructure and security measures.