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Indian Railways Punctuality Plummets to 73.62%

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 11:57 GMT by ThePrint
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New Delhi, February 4th, 2026 - A concerning report released today by a parliamentary standing committee reveals a significant and worrying decline in the punctuality of Indian Railways. The committee's findings, presented to Parliament earlier this week, indicate a drop in on-time performance from a relatively healthy 90% in the 2021-22 fiscal year to a low of just 73.62% in 2023-24. This precipitous fall has sparked debate and calls for urgent action to address the deteriorating state of the nation's rail network.

The report doesn't merely highlight the fact of declining punctuality, but also stresses the cascading negative effects this has on both passengers and the Indian economy. Delays, the committee argues, disrupt travel plans, impact business logistics, and ultimately hinder economic growth. The committee's concerns come amidst heightened public and governmental scrutiny of the Indian Railways' operational efficiency and, crucially, its safety record - two issues increasingly intertwined.

Root Causes: A Network Strained

The committee's investigation points to a constellation of contributing factors. Infrastructure bottlenecks are identified as a primary culprit. The Indian rail network, while vast, is aging in many areas, and capacity is struggling to keep pace with increasing demand, particularly on key freight and passenger corridors. This leads to congestion, slowing down train movements and contributing to delays.

Signalling issues are also cited as a significant problem. Outdated signalling systems, while gradually being replaced, still contribute to hold-ups and require careful, manual intervention. Modernisation efforts are underway, with a push towards automatic train protection (ATP) systems and digital signalling, but the rollout has been slower than anticipated, leaving large sections of the network vulnerable to delays caused by signal failures or operational restrictions.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the report flags operational inefficiencies within the Railways itself. Poor coordination between different departments - including traffic control, maintenance, and rolling stock management - appears to be exacerbating the problem. This lack of seamless integration means that even minor issues can quickly escalate into significant delays.

Recommendations for Revival

The committee's report isn't simply a critique; it offers a series of recommendations aimed at reversing the decline in punctuality. A central theme is the need for substantial investment in infrastructure upgrades. This includes track renewal, expansion of railway lines, construction of dedicated freight corridors (the ongoing Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India project is referenced as a positive step, but more is needed), and modernization of railway stations.

Furthermore, the committee emphasizes the critical importance of technology adoption. Beyond the signalling upgrades already in progress, they recommend exploring and implementing solutions such as predictive maintenance, utilizing data analytics to anticipate potential problems before they occur, and improving real-time train tracking and management systems. The use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to optimize train schedules and routing is also suggested.

Improved coordination between departments is another key recommendation. The committee suggests streamlining communication channels, establishing clear lines of responsibility, and fostering a culture of collaboration across all levels of the railway organization. This would require a significant shift in internal processes and potentially, organizational restructuring.

The Broader Context: Modernization & Safety

The declining punctuality comes at a crucial time for the Indian Railways. The government has committed to a massive modernization program, investing heavily in new infrastructure, technologies, and rolling stock. However, this modernization is not solely about increasing capacity and efficiency; safety is paramount.

The push for higher speeds and increased freight traffic must be balanced with the need to maintain and improve safety standards. The committee implicitly acknowledges this, stating that improving punctuality should not come at the expense of safety. The report suggests that a holistic approach is needed - one that integrates infrastructure upgrades, technological advancements, operational improvements, and a unwavering commitment to passenger and freight safety. Recent incidents, while not specifically mentioned in this report, have added urgency to these concerns.

The committee's report serves as a wake-up call for the Indian Railways. While the challenges are significant, addressing the decline in punctuality is essential not only for improving passenger experience but also for ensuring the continued economic prosperity of the nation.