Indian Railways, renowned for its vast and intricate network, stands as one of the world's busiest, facilitating over 24 million daily commuters. Operating more than 13,000 passenger trains across approximately 68,000 route kilometers and linking 7,325 stations, the railway system plays a pivotal role in India's growth narrative.
Within this expansive landscape, punctuality becomes a crucial aspect of the travel experience for millions. redRail, in partnership with IRCTC, delves into train punctuality patterns across India, offering a comprehensive analysis for the year 2023. These insights not only aid passengers in planning their journeys but also contribute valuable information for tracking trains in the upcoming year.
Key Insights:
Average Delay: The study reveals an average train delay of approximately 31 minutes across all express and passenger trains in India.
Best Month for Punctuality: April stands out as the most punctual month, exhibiting the least delays across the Indian Railways network.
Express Trains Performance: Vande Bharat, Shatabdi, and Rajdhani express trains demonstrate lower delays compared to other express train categories.
Significant Delays: 13% of trains experience average delays exceeding 60 minutes.
India’s Most Punctual Trains in 2023:
According to redRail data, the following trains maintained an average delay of less than 5 minutes throughout the first half of 2023:
Thiruvananthapuram Central Express Special
Hazrat Nizamuddin Vande Bharat Express
Puducherry Express
Ranchi Shatabdi Express
Chamundi Express
Average Waiting Times at Popular Railway Stations:
Chennai Central (MAS), Tamil Nadu: Average Delay: 16 minutes
Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CSMT), Maharashtra: Average Delay: 20 minutes
New Delhi (NDLS), New Delhi: Average Delay: 31 minutes
Howrah Junction (HWH), West Bengal: Average Delay: 35 minutes
Patna Junction (PNBE), Bihar: Average Delay: 41 minutes
Kalyan Junction (KYN), Maharashtra: Average Delay: 47 minutes
Vijayawada Junction (BZA), Andhra Pradesh: Average Delay: 48 minutes
The study encapsulates the dynamism and efficiency of Indian Railways, providing passengers with valuable information for a smoother travel experience in 2024.
(With Agency Inputs)
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