Indian Railways incurring losses due to passenger trains?
According to a PRS india report, the passenger section of indian Railways is continuously incurring losses. This loss increased from Rs 36,286 crore in 2015-16 to Rs 63,364 crore in 2019-20. This loss increased further to Rs 68,269 crore in 2021-22. This loss is met by the profit earned from freight trains. Between 2018-19 and 2021-22, all other categories except AC 3 class and AC chair car (sometimes) have incurred losses every year.
The passenger section of indian Railways is incurring losses because the Railways is running these services at a price below cost. The Standing Committee on Railways (2020) had recommended that the fares of both freight and passenger fares should be increased. But while increasing the fare, the Railways should also keep in mind the competition with road and air transport. The committee had recommended that the Railways should reconsider its social responsibilities.
In which class do the passengers travel the most?
Indian Railways has 9 types of seats for passengers which are divided into AC and sleeper coaches. It can also be divided into air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned coaches. Air-conditioned coaches are cleaner, safer and more comfortable. However, this class is also more expensive. Traveling in the general coach is the cheapest, because no one's seat is reserved here.
According to the PRS report, a total of 844 crore passengers traveled by indian Railways in the year 2022-23. Out of these, the maximum 360 crore passengers traveled by general coach. After this, the maximum 280 crore passengers traveled by sleeper class. There is no air conditioning in the sleeper class. During the day, the middle berth is folded so that the passengers can sit on the lower berth.
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