INDIAN RAILWAYS – INTERESTING FACTS

We all would have used the Train sometime or the other in our lifetime. We would book the tickets. Arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before schedule time. Wait at the station and chat about how the trains are delayed so much and all. We complain when the costs are increased by even Rs.5/-. Also we say that the number of trains are low. You will get to know here why the trains are not enough for the people. It’s not that the railways are having less number of trains. It’s the population density that is more and you will also get to know that operating so many trains will be difficult on a particular track. Now before we chat about all of these negatives about Indian Railways let’s see some interesting facts that will makes spellbound and say that this is the cheapest mode of transport and also highly underrated.

The number of coaches in Sleeper Class: S1 to S14 = 14

The number of coaches in A/C (all together): B1 to B3, A1, A2, HA = 6

The number of General Coaches = 4

Thus this is the maximum general pattern of the passenger capacity of an express or superfast train Apart from these a parcel van cum Guard, a SLR in the front and the Engine is fit. This is the maximum limit with which the train can travel with a single – head. That is, if we add even 1 more coach here then the train has to be operated with 2 engines, i.e. double – headed.

Now, coming to the passenger section.

Average number of reserved passengers in SL = 14*72 = 1008

Average number of reserved passengers in A/C = 3*64(3-tier) + 2*46(2-tier and First-Class)
                                                                         = 284

Average number of unreserved passengers in GS = 125*4 = 500

Average passengers travelling = 1792 = 1800(approx..)

Now, these 1800 passengers travelling is on an average and excluding the number of passengers who would alight a train for going to office faster. Let us leave alone the rush in festival season and other days.

Let’s now take an example for a route between Chennai and Hyderabad. There are 3 trains operating from Chennai to Hyderabad and 3 more for the return route. Let’s just take the onward route from Chennai to Hyderabad. The following are the trains that operate:

1.       Hyderabad Express (12603): Departure at 16:45 at MAS

2.       Kacheguda Express (17651): Departure at 17:00 at MS

3.       Charminar Express (12759): Departure at 18:10 at MAS

Thus, the average number of passengers travelling on a single – day from Chennai to Hyderabad are 3 * 1800 = 5400. Hence, around 5400 passengers travel on a particular day from Chennai to Hyderabad in a train.

Coming to a simple comparison. Let’s say that the average seating capacity in a bus is 40. Thus, the number of buses plying in a day for this load will be = 5400/40 = 135. That means around 6 buses an hour. Coming to the minimum cost estimation.

Minimum cost of sleeper bus = Rs.650/-

Minimum cost of A/C sleeper = Rs.1220/-

Hence total revenue for Bus service for such cost (no senior citizen concession)

                                                                                             = 650*1008 + 1220*284

                                           In 1 train                                     =Rs.10,01,680/-

Total cost for three trains(per day) = 1001680*3 = Rs.30,05,040/-

The same cost got for railways is (w/o concession) in 1 train  

                                                           = 2040*46 + 1200*46 + 801*192 + 295*1008

                                                           =Rs.2,97,360 = Rs.3,00,000(approx..)

Hence, for 3 trains(per day) = Rs.9,00,000.

Also remember that the cost estimation done for a bus is the most minimum one and no one would even think of using such buses. I haven’t touched the most used buses and the common buses which are costlier than the above rate used.

Now, think for yourselves how much loss at which the railway is running compared to the buses. Can you ply 135 buses at the roads we have? The railways is 3 times(approx..) lesser than the buses. Is this cost enough for their maintenance of such a long route and also for such a long train length?

Let’s now think before we say so much negative about railways and start creating awareness for increasing the revenue of railways for their maintenance also. It's more fuel efficient. More passenger density efficient. Less pollution too comparatively as most of the lines are electrical. Hence, let's all put in an effort to make the government to increase surplus for Railways development. We might say that there is corruption. But that is something of a different scenario and addressed differently not with this, I guess. Let’s all talk positives of railways too and help them improve with our slightest efforts or at least by not talking negative. Let’s be positive. Let's help improve the revenue of railways and hence their standard too. Cheers!!!