Trains are more punctual than earlier, says Indian Railways

New Delhi: Trains are more punctual than they used to be. The average of punctuality performance percentage from April to September in the financial year 2019-20 of Mail/Express trains has improved to 74.21% against 67.05% in 2018-19. While the punctuality performance percentage of the Passenger Trains of Indian Railways for the period of April to September in the financial year 2019-20 improved to 70.54% in comparison to 66.58% in the financial year 2018-19. These figures have been released in a press release issued by Ministry of Railways. "Trains are more punctual as a result of Indian Railways' continuous efforts towards the improvement of the punctuality of the trains. With its continued effort, Indian Railways has succeeded in improving the Punctuality Performance in 2019-20 in comparison to 2018-19" said the release.

"Trains are more punctual as a result of Indian Railways' continuous efforts towards the improvement of the punctuality of the trains. With its continued effort, Indian Railways has succeeded in improving the Punctuality Performance in 2019-20 in comparison to 2018-19"- Ministry of Railways

The Railways has also listed down the measures taken in order to improve the punctuality. From rigorous monitoring at Divisional, Zonal and Railway Board levels and removal of infrastructure bottlenecks in a planned manner to planning integrated Mega Blocks in such a way that all asset maintenance departments can do their work simultaneously. Following are other major steps taken to cut down delay time:

1. End to end running of some trains with diesel locomotives to avoid detention on account of loco changing from diesel to electric.
2. Conversion of conventional rakes of Mail/Express trains (Integral Coach Factory rakes) into LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) rakes.
3. Rationalization of Time Table in order to make a group of similar speed trains. Curtailment of stoppage time at major terminals.
4. Commissioning of 1st phase of Dedicated Freight Corridor. High capacity water pumps at watering stations to minimize detention on this account.
5. Provision of Bye-pass stations to avoid engine reversal etc. Also, for attaining accuracy in punctuality data, the timing of arrival and departures are prominently being captured automatically through data-loggers. It is being monitored through dashboards – called "Rail Drishti" at the highest level to promote punctuality.

Do let us know if you also feel the punctuality quotient in Indian Railways has increased, as being claimed by Indian Railways. Find us on Twitter and Facebook @psuwatch.

(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Telegram. Join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram and stay updated)