Category Archives: PNR Status

PNR Status

Free Wifi at Almost Every Indian Railway Station – What You Must Know

Leave a comment

Free Wifi at Almost Every Indian Railway Station – What You Must Know

WiFi today has become more essential than even the destination we are travelling to. Before checking a menu in a restaurant, most people first ask for the WiFi password. Before ordering at a café or stepping into a meeting, the first question often is about internet access. Free WiFi has become a basic expectation, and the moment users get access to a strong connection, their experience instantly improves. Back in 2015, the Aam Aadmi Party proposed free WiFi across major cities, while Mamata Banerjee also introduced similar services across Kolkata.

In a major step forward, Indian Railways partnered with Google to introduce free WiFi services at railway stations across the country. This initiative aimed to transform passenger convenience and digital accessibility. The project, popularly known as the Nilgiri Project, was designed to provide high-speed internet connectivity to thousands of railway stations. Under this plan, passengers can access free WiFi for a limited time duration, ensuring smooth browsing and connectivity while waiting for trains.

Google-will-provide-Free-Wi-Fi-across-400-Indian-railway-stations

Free WiFi at Railway Stations in India

The Nilgiri Project focuses on providing free WiFi access at around 6,000 railway stations nationwide. This initiative is a major digital push by Indian Railways to enhance passenger experience and modernize station infrastructure. Any passenger present at a station can easily connect to the network using a simple one-time password (OTP) authentication system. This secure login process ensures safe and controlled internet usage for everyone.

Passengers can enjoy high-speed internet for up to 30 minutes without any charges. After this duration, the speed may reduce, but connectivity generally remains active. This allows users to continue browsing, messaging, or checking travel updates even after the initial free high-speed usage period. The system has been designed keeping in mind the needs of daily commuters, tourists, and business travellers.

Step-by-Step Process to Use Free WiFi at Railway Station

1. Turn ON WiFi on your device
Go to your mobile/laptop settings and switch on WiFi.

2. Select the Railway Network
From the available networks, choose:
RailWire / RailWire Network / Station WiFi (name may vary slightly)

3. Open Your Browser
As soon as you connect, open any browser (Chrome, Safari, etc.).
You will be automatically redirected to the login page.

4. Enter Your Mobile Number
On the login page, enter your active mobile number.

5. Receive OTP (One-Time Password)
You will get an OTP via SMS on your phone.

6. Enter OTP & Connect
Enter the OTP on the screen and click Connect / Login.

7. Start Browsing
Once verified, you can start using free high-speed WiFi instantly.

Important Things to Know

  • Free high-speed access is usually for 30 minutes
  • After that, speed may reduce but connection continues
  • OTP login ensures secure access
  • Works on both mobile and laptop devices

Technology Behind Railway WiFi

The project uses advanced fiber-based technology introduced by Google to deliver fast and reliable internet services. This technology enables speeds of up to 2GB per second under ideal conditions, ensuring seamless streaming, browsing, and downloads. Originally introduced in 2010 in the United States, this fiber technology has been adapted to suit India’s railway infrastructure.

In addition to station-based WiFi, Indian Railways has also experimented with providing internet connectivity on select trains using satellite-based systems. This shows the continuous effort to improve onboard and station-level digital services for passengers across India.

Future Expansion and Passenger Benefits

The Nilgiri Project was planned to roll out in multiple phases. In the initial phase, WiFi services were introduced at selected major stations, followed by expansion to smaller stations. Future plans also included extending high-speed internet access to moving trains, further enhancing passenger convenience.

Indian Railways has significantly upgraded its services over the years—from online ticket booking and real-time train tracking to digital platforms and WiFi connectivity. These advancements have made travel more efficient, comfortable, and connected. With continued development, free WiFi at railway stations is expected to become even more reliable and widespread, ensuring passengers stay connected throughout their journey.

Indian Railways have improved by leaps and bounds from its not so good reputation. From facilities like checking pnr status railways online or on TravelKhana app via free wifi, it has left no stones unturned to deliver its passengers all necessary facilities. We hope the wifi becomes operational at the earliest!

PNR Status

What’s New On Indian Railways…??

Leave a comment

What’s New On Indian Railways…??

Do you know what’s new on Indian Railways this year…? New rules have crept into the railways. In the recent past years, modernization has made its way into the railways transforming it like never before. Better schemes are being implemented aiming to provide ultimate comfort to the passengers. Don’t stop yourself just by knowing about the methods of getting PNR status SMS to mobile, have a look at the latest updates from India Railways, which you should be aware of. Additionally, TravelKhana offers a variety of services, such as tracking train status, checking seat availability, and verifying PNR status. To access these services, you can visit the TravelKhana website or simply download the TravelKhana app to check the status with ease.

Introduction of aircraft like coaches:

Indian Railways Coach Rehabilation workshop in Bhopal has taken up the responsibility of designing brand new coaches for the railways. Here are the key features of these coaches:

  • The eye catching features are the illuminated signs, stairs to climb to upper berths, plush interiors and bio toilets.
  • The purple shade berths have replaced the orthodox brown and blue seats.
  • Comfortable journey is ensured to the passengers by the spacious and jerk proof seats.
  • The new features, such as carpet-like flooring, fireproof seats, mobile charging points, and LED reading lights, completely transform the look of the coach.

Can you guess how much it costs to build each coach in this fashion..? It’s a whooping 14 lakh rupees. 111 coaches are planned to be manufactured by this workshop. Test runs have resulted in successful results.PNR-Indian-Railway-Passenger-reservation-Enquiry

Modified tour packages for students:

IRCTC has taken a step ahead to facilitate the students by initiating customized tours and packages for students. Delhi University students’ successful northeast tour inspired this idea. As part of the scheme, authorities plan to run a train from Chandigarh Railway Station to Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra. They have named this train the ‘Golden Triangle’ and designed its service especially for students. The IRCTC spokesperson in Chandigarh said that the organization also plans to introduce a customized train for children in the future. Officials are seriously considering the demands of school heads, and they will schedule trips according to the schools’ convenience.

It’s mandatory to carry your proof of age:

Of late, the railways have received complaints regarding the misuse of senior citizen concessions. To put an end to these issues, the Indian railways have made it mandatory that one has to carry their proof of age while travelling. However, to book the tickets, you don’t have to provide this proof. Authorities will take strict action against people who declare a false age. They will treat them as passengers traveling without a ticket. A concession of 40% and 50% is provided for men aged above 60 and women above 58 respectively in all train classes. As of now, senior citizens must provide proof of age; otherwise, authorities charge them only the fare difference. This step initiated by Indian Railways can effectively curb the agents, who misuse this facility to cheat passengers.

If you are someone who travels by train very often, it is mandatory that you keep the track of the updated rules and regulations by the Indian Railways. Apart from keeping yourself informed about these changes, it is the responsibility of every individual to educate these changes to the people around you.

PNR Status

Know Your PNR….!

Leave a comment

What is PNR

What is PNR? Are you looking for rail information related to PNR number? PNR, PNR Code, PNR number is an electronic detail stored in the Indian Railways database system. It stands for ‘Passenger Name Record’. Whenever a rail ticket is booked, irrespective of the status it holds in Indian Railways, a unique 10-digit number is generated and it is the PNR number. All the details of the passenger and relevant to the journey information is stored in the centralized reservation system in the relational database in Railways system. The details are associated with the unique ten digit number that is generated. This unique number is there on the top left hand side of the ticket. Whether the rail ticket holds the status as confirmed or waitlisted, PNR number is generated very time the ticket booking is done. The details of the rail ticket includes information like the information of the passenger, the information of the ticket and journey, along with the payment and transaction details. The first 3 digits of the PNR number depicts the PRS with which the ticket has been booked. It states the zone of the train and the starting station of the train.

PNR stands for Passenger Name Record. If you can closely observe you railway ticket, you can find a ten digit number on the upper left corner. This is your PNR number. The PNR number holds the record of the travel of a particular passenger or a group of passengers. The information is stored in the data base of computer reservation system

You must be wondering what info is stored in the PNR code. This number holds the following details:

  • Basic info of the passenger like his/her name.
  • The info and contact details of the travel agents who helped you out to book your ticket.
  • Ticket number and it’s time limit.
  • Itinerary details. At least one of its segments is common for the passengers listed.
  • Agency’s pseudo city code, timestamp and other such info will get into the database automatically.

official indian railway

How To Check You Status..?

There are a number of websites, which can help you out in Indian railways PNR status enquiry. All that you have to do is just type it and the search engine shows you a bunch of links to proceed. Once you visit a website, it will ask you to enter your ten digit PNR number. After confirming your number, click on “get PNR status” option. It brings you all the info associated with your ticket. It also provides you the flexibility of confirming, cancellation or modification of your booking. If you don’t have an internet connection with you at the moment, you don’t have to worry…! You can still track your PNR status by using your mobile phone. Send an SMS to any of these numbers: 57886, 5676747, 139 and 54959; with the text: PNR (ten digit PNR number) and in a short time, you can find your details right in your mobile. If you prefer to choose landline, then make use of the toll free number 139. If you are an android user, then this is even more simplified for you. All that you need to do is, go to the play store and download the apps which help you to track the details. However, you have to be a little cautious here. Of late, Indian railways have added captcha to these android PNR enquiry apps. This can be often frustrating for the user. If you find yourself such a state, you can fix it by changing the source code of the program.

Carry Your Proof Of Identity:

Indian railways have made it mandatory that all passengers must carry their proof of identity so as to eliminate the misuse of the reserved ticketing system. The following IDs will be accepted by the Indian railways in this regard:

  • The income tax department issued PAN card.
  • A driving license which is approved by the RTO.
  • Any state or central government issued identity cards.
  • Credit cards.
  • Voter IDs
  • Pass book of any nationalized bank
  • Identity cards of students issued by their respective educational organizations.

It is to be remembered that only originals of these copies will be accepted and their photocopies are strictly not entertained.

PNR Status

How PNR of railway ticket be checked?

Leave a comment

The fact is that the internet has completely changed the way railway tickets are booked and checked. Irrespective of the date the person desires to travel, the train and the time of travel chosen, booking tickets is simple as 1 2 and 3 and can be done in few simple steps, involving just about a couple of minutes and few details. The internet has proved to be a boon for travelers of all types, as travel plans now could be made sitting at the convenience of the room. The person if planning to go on a trip can simply check out the trains traveling to a specific route, using his laptop, desktop or mobile device. In case, the particular route is blocked throughout the period that he can travel, then he can simply refine his search and be more flexible enough to find other locations that can provide him with the opportunity to travel; and make the most from the trip. The online site would allow him to make the plans by providing a whole list for making the plans all the more realistic and easy.

Checking of PNR Status

Making Indian railway pnr status enquiry is very easy on the web. When trying to check the status of the purchased railway ticket, the person simply needs to log onto reputed sites like Travelkhana that instantly loads on the web. Then the person needs to click the button showing “check PNR”. Immediately, he would be taken to another page that has a blank column stating to enter the PNR number. The person is simply required to click the button present and within seconds, he is provided with useful information with regards to the current status of the ticket.

PNR-Indian-Railway-Passenger-reservation-Enquiry

Knowing the status

In case, the ticket is not yet conformed, then the search results would be ‘Waiting List’ or RAC (Reservation against Confirmation). This means, he has to check every now and then to make sure that he boards the train having a confirmed ticket. In case, he is forced to cancel the e-ticket. Then he does not have to visit the railway counter or station in person. The reason is that cancellation can be done from the web using the site, similar to that of the booking. Cancellation is easy and just takes a few clicks. However, some of the amount is deducted as penalty and the remaining amount is refunded back to the rightful person. However, some time is taken for the amount to be refunded. Still this can be termed to be a wonderful way to enjoy ticket booking and cancellation and when required. It does save a good amount of time and money, as well as hassles.

Being well planned is sure to help the person to enjoy booking in advance over the web and to derive conformed tickets that will allow him to travel smoothly, without any issues involved. Traveling on a booked ticket and making use of reputed websites like travelkhana can make travelling fun and interesting for any person, irrespective of age and gender.

Where can I check my PNR status?

Where can I check my PNR status? There are many ways through which one can check his or her PNR status. It takes hardly a minute in knowing the current status of the rail ticket and getting the information. Open the Indian Railways IRCTC website, and get on the check PNR status column. It will ask for the unique 10-digit PNR number to feed into, and once you enter in the same, click on the enter button. It will be showing the details related to the PNR number status, if it is in confirmed state, or in waitlisted state. The PNR number is a unique 10 digit number that is depicted on the top left hand side of the ticket and it is generated always one make the reservation. Aside from checking the PNR status in this way, there could be other ways also such as checking in final reservation charts. The mobile app is also available through which the PNR status could be checked within seconds. One just need to enter in the PNR number, and see the state of the same. One can SMS PNR and send it to number 139 to know the exact status of the ticket.

PNR Status

Indian Railway Ensures a Hassle Free Travel Experience

1 Comment

What is PNR Number

What is PNR Number? PNR in Indian Railways stands for ‘Passenger Name Record’. It is a record that is stored in the Railways database, its computer reservation system comprising a few details of the passenger travelling in the train. Whenever a rail ticket is booked or generated, irrespective of its status, a unique 10-digit PNR number is allocated every time. The details of the passengers are stored in the centralized reservation system relational database. The details are linked with a unique ten digit number and this reference number is what we refer to as PNR. It is printed on the left hand side top of the ticket. It contains passenger’s personal details such as name, gender, age, etc. It involves columns to save current status and booking status of the rail ticket. The record pointed by the PNR number contains journey details like as mentioned below.

  1. The details of the passenger including name, age, birth date, sex.
  2. Details of the ticket including train number, to and from station name, berth, quota, reservation upto.
  3. Payment or transaction details such as payment mode, transaction ID, ticket charge.

Hope the information is knowledgeable and one can understand what PNR number is and its meaning.

We are very much familiar with the PNR just as we are familiar with the Indian Railways. PNR stands for Passenger Name Record, and it is a ten-digit number automatically generated by the system after your ticket is booked. On classic railway tickets booked from railway stations, the PNR number can be found on the upper left corner of the booked railway ticket. The railway systems are known as CRS also known as Central Reservation System.

How PNR Is Generated?

All you need to do is fill the details and submit the form either online or by filling a reservation slip at any railway station. The reservation is done after you provide valid details like name of the the passenger, type of berth, gender, age, etc. Once the reservation is done, the CRS will automatically issue a PNR number for your ticket.

Checking PNR Status

In many ways, while traveling, PNR number is your only ticket and you can get all the details with the help of PNR number. You can order food to your seat by telling your PNR number, you can book rooms and dorms available at cheaper price on railway stations and so on.pnrst

While there are many ways to check your PNR status which tells you about your current booking details. You can check your PNR status either from official website of IRCTC or its twin website of Indian Railways. Also, you can check your PNR status from leading websites across the web. All you have to do is to go to ‘PNR Status’ option, enter your 10-digit PNR number and within a blink of eye you get to know the details.

Be Techno Savvy

There are also various mobile apps available on all the leading operating system platforms of smartphones. Keeping in mind the young generation, the official app from IRCTC gives you your PNR status with just a few taps but more than half of the population of India is yet to come on the internet and they travel by train, what about them? How do they check their PNR status in case their seat is not confirmed?

The simple answer is through PNR status sms to mobile. Yes, this is possible with the sms services provided by the Indian Railways. This way of checking the PNR status is easiest of all the methods. All you have to do is to SMS a few keywords. Send to 139 or 57886, 5676747 with “PNR <10-digit PNR>” in the sms, and within a few minutes, you will receive a sms on your mobile containing your PNR status in detail. Also, if you have a prolonged journey with back to back trains and you don’t have a proper internet network, you can check your PNR status through sms just by following the above mentioned steps. You can also check your PNR status through various other web services, which provide your PNR status via sms on your phone with some cost. Many of them provide these services free of cost though. It surely couldn’t have got easier than this.

PNR Status

Cyber Audit Ordered For Indian Railways

Leave a comment

Indian Railways is ready to conduct a through cyber audit even as it recognized the vulnerabity of its online service network.

The ministry has ordered a compressive zone wise audit for its online system. This includes the Passenger Reservation System (PRS), the communication network of the Indian Railways as well as online freight system which have been recognized as sensitive areas

The Minister of Railways had ordered a complete cyber audit of the total online network connected to the operation of railways in India. This audit is set be implemented in all sixteen zones of the Indian Railways and efforts will be undertaken so that the audit is fool proof and effective.

The idea of a cyber audit had been triggered off after hacking of a website in March, of the Bhusawal division’s personnel department of Central Railways, apparently by the Al Qaeda. The website content was changed by the hackers into a message exhorting every Indian Muslim to undertake Jihad to fight America. Thus, the system is at the threat of criminals like terrorists.

Official sources revealed that hackers were defacing 2000 to 3000 government websites every month. Senior officials were quick to note that the complete reservation system of the Railways was being conducted online and any interference in the network would completely mess up the system like disabling PNR Status Enquiry, besides causing enormous monetary losses.

Especially, internal communication between train operators is crucial for train services along with controlling of operations between stations. Officials pressed claims that recently an audit had been conducted on various IT related services of the railways, but it is the first time that there were plans afoot to conducts a cyber audit of the entire railway system. It is expected that auditors will detect systemic flaws and suggest remedial action.

 The agencies deputed for the cyber audit are experts in the field of cyber-security. They will work in tandem with the CRIS (Centre for Railways Information System), which is an agency responsible for ticket booking in the Indian railways.

 In addition, functional and security audits will be conducted, of the entire online operations of ticket booking services via the IRCTC (Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation). Some time back, the IRCTC had conducted an audit of its system to curb misuse by touts of its ticket booking website.

The Railways began computer operations, almost 30 years back with setting up of CRIS (Centre for Railways Information System) which is responsible for developing and maintaining crucial information systems of the Indian Railways.

But ever since, majority of railway zones have failed to have a potent cyber policy set up to boost immunity of railways against cyber attacks.

Officials of the IT department noted that IT security covers the following areas: understanding and managing risks involved; managing network security and traffic; protecting IT data, assets and applications; protecting personnel and infrastructure; Selecting and making operable effective controls to put in place integrity and confidentiality of communication systems, which transmit, store and process data.

PNR Status

Check Out The Faster Than the Fastest Train

Leave a comment

Can you name a few fastest trains of India…? Hold on..! You got to add another train to your list. “Gatimaan Express”, remember the name! In a few days, this is going to replace the position of Shatabdhi express as the fastest train in India. It reaches a top speed of 160 kmph. This train has completed its maiden journey all the way from Delhi to Agra in just 100 minutes. Talking about the time taken in return journey, it’s a little less than the forward journey. Let’s check out more about this train here under:

check PNR status on mobile

  • Before knowing the significant features of this train, let’s have a quick look into its history. The idea of this train originated long back in October 2014. However, the official announcement took a long time and came into limelight on June 2015. Finally, this train became a grand success on 5th April 2016.
  • Its maiden journey was scheduled at 10:10am of 5th April, 2016. The train has a maximum capacity of 736 passengers and its first journey has carried out with only 224 passengers.
  • Its first journey has started on a grand note. The whole train is decorated with flowers and garlands. Passengers are welcomed warmly by the train hostesses with chocolates and red roses.
  • Right from the origin of the idea of Gatimaan express, people started to compare it closely with the existing Shatabdhi express. However, its maiden journey proved that it is better than the best. If you are wondering how to check PNR status on mobile for this train, it’s similar to that of any other Indian train.
  • If you are a food lover, you will love your time in this train. A wide range of Indian and continental dishes are served here. The menu includes mini dosa, wholewheat upma, fresh cut fruits, idly, swiss roll, aloo kulcha, chicken roll and roasted dry fruits. Isn’t the menu yummy..!
  • The good news for the internet addicts is that this train provides free multimedia access to its passengers. Each coach has hot spot devices installed in it. However, the passengers have to download a free app to access this service.
  • The passengers of the train’s maiden journey were enquired about the services offered and the response was satisfactory. Passengers just hoped for more of such trains in India.
  • Predictions are being made that the tracks have to be remodeled to accommodate this superfast train.
  • The features in this train are carefully chosen that it entertains everyone in the train. People of any age group find something which can keep them entertained here. The authorities have made clear that depending upon the response of people; additional coaches will be added to this train.
  • IRCTC takes care of entire onboard services offered in this train like housekeeping and catering. The tour packages are designed to attract tourists visiting Agra.

The success of this train has made people to believe that India is capable of producing the trains which can hit a top speed of 300 kmph. When you travel for the first time in this train, you would wonder why our railway doesn’t bring in more of such trains.

PNR Status

Looking for the nearest metro station to Nizamuddin?

Leave a comment

Delhi being one of the busiest cities in the world is well connected by the railway network. There are five main railway stations in Delhi and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway station is one of the major stations that connect major cities to Delhi. It comes under the Northern Zone of Indian Railways. It is the origin point to reach most major cities of South India. If you are travelling out of Delhi on train, you cannot only book your seat online, but check pnr status also.

Apart from these major railway networks, Delhi is also well connected to the metro rail network to reach every corner of the city. It is the best means of travel within the city, and you will find it is very inexpensive also to travel by metro rail. It will also save a lot of time as the traffic congestion in Delhi is getting very high due to an increasing number of vehicles.

Delhi is well planned in the sense that the metro rail network is able to cover most of the important areas of the city. Also, the frequency of trains is very good when compared to other modes of transport, and you can easily get a train within 30 minutes to any other station. This is however in regular hours and during peak hours, you can see that the trains are frequent, and this is very helpful to millions of people who are dependent on public transport to move around the city.

As thousands of people come to Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station every day to move to different parts of the country, it becomes a very busy junction. It is very easy to reach this railway station through the metro rail. The nearest metro station to Nizamuddin is the Indraprastha Metro Station, which is located on the Blue line of Delhi Metro. Once you reach Indraprastha station, it is very easy to get to Nizamuddin, and you can take an auto which will take about 10 minutes to reach your destination. On the other hand, if you wish to take the bus from Indraprastha station, you need to take the DTC bus at IP depot, which goes towards Sarai Kale Khan Bus Stop. Get down at this bus stop and the Nizamuddin station is just about one kilometre from this place. You can easily walk towards the station in just about few minutes. You will also get many autos to take you to the station.

Apart from these options, there are a huge number of taxis operating in Delhi, and you can easily reach Nizamuddin station from your location in a taxi. Most of the popular taxis operate online, and you can easily book them through the mobile apps. They will come to your place in a matter of minutes and pick you from the location. However, the rates for these taxis will be very high when compared to travelling by a metro rail. Apart from this, travelling in a metro train will also save you a lot of time as the road traffic is very bad. In this way, travelling with Delhi Metro can both save you time as well as money.

PNR Status

Northern Railways set to run summer special trains!

Leave a comment

According to the Indian Railways, the best way to avoid any kind of rush is to introduce a variety of weekly special trains, which will run till the month of June. While Central, Eastern and East Coastal railway are already scheduled with their weekly trains, the Northern Railway is also set to run a few trains. Most of these trains will be running from Old Delhi or New Delhi to different cities and states. Here is a list of all the information you need: –

  • The Old Delhi to Shri Mata Vasihno Devi Katra to Old Delhi, tri-weekly special trains will begin from April 2nd to June 30th. These trains will make a total trip of 78 times up and down. The train will leave from Old Delhi station at 11:5 pm on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The train will return on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays from April 3rd to July 1st.

      • A special bi-weekly summer train, which will be superfast will run from New Delhi to Mumbai Central and return to New Delhi. Another train will be running from Ahmedabad to Delhi Sarai Rohilla to Ahmedabad, which is soon going to launch.

      • A set of trains from New Delhi, Haridwar, Lucknow, Chandigarh and Ferozepur are also going to add to this Northern Railways list to clean up the extra rush at all these stations during the vacation period. The New Delhi to Kathgodam to New Delhi train will run every Thursdays from April 7th to April 30th. The train will stop at stations like Ghaziabad, Rampur, Moradabad, Lalkuan and several other stations.

      • The New Delhi to Haridwar to New Delhi train will be available every day of the week except on Tuesdays and Fridays. The frequency of this train is pretty good and can be helpful to the passengers. This train will begin from 2nd April and will run till 30th April.

      • The New Delhi to Barauni special train will be running on Tuesdays and Friday, which is already in action. This train will run until June 28th. It will return from Barauni on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You can make your bookings in advance for this train and wait for the Indian railway PNR confirmation. With the increase in trains, it is obvious that more and more passengers will take the train and avoid buses.

      • Another train will be going from Gorakhpur to Anand Vihar. This weekly special will be leaving the former station on Fridays on April 8th till June 24th. The train will return on Saturdays on April 9th till the June 15th.

So mark your calendars and start booking for the trains now!

PNR Status

How Does “Privatization Of Indian Railways” Sound…?

Leave a comment

Our railways have made efforts to increase the standards of the trains, provided ease of access to the passengers by enabling them to check the pnr status on mobile sms and build new tracks. Though the Indian railways have shown appreciable performance over the past few years, there is an argument that it is still far beyond its capacity. Indian railways have a severe capacity constraint. It is because of this reason; the railways weren’t able to capitalize on the increasing demand of freight transport. National Transport Development Policy has passed several suggestions to increase the orientation of railways towards the commercial sector.

Booster shots of privatization:

There were a few suggestions to privatize the railways to some extent so as to ensure reliable performance. The following are the expected outcomes of privatization:

  • Indian railways have targeted to increase a track length of about 2,500 kilometers every year. However, it only manages to increase about 180 kilometers. Privatization provides the flexibility of sharing the expenses with the private firms.
  • It is to be noted that over 10% of the railways income is utilized to run its noncore activities like schools and hospitals. Outsourcing these activities would turn as a huge sigh of relief to the railways.pnrst
  • A few major railways projects are delayed for a variety of reasons. The best way to put an end to this time lag is to divide the railways into smaller companies. Projects can be executed in the least time possible by doing so.

Inspiration from Japan and Argentina:

Experts suggest that the mix of reforms that took place in Japan and Argentina can be implemented here in India to boost its standards like never before. The above statements of privatization have their roots in these countries. Prior privatizing the railways in Japan, it suffered a huge loss of about $50 million per day. However, the further consequences have made it to lose its autonomy over railways.

  • Japan railway reforms: All the services were split into joint stock companies as a part of their reforms. Six major firms took up the responsibility of passenger services whereas the freight was handled by a single company. Another reputed corporation takes care of the bullet train services. A distinct body is setup to clear the historical debt of Japanese railways. These reforms have increased the profit earned by the railways and also lowered the risk of accidents.
  • Argentina railway reforms: Argentina showed their interest in privatization after incurring huge losses of $1.4 billion annually. This strategy allows bidders to quote their bids to take up the servicing and maintenance tasks. This greatly helped Argentina to cut down their expenses incurred on its subsidies to commuter services.

However, the practicality of these reforms isn’t easy with India railways. Indian railways comprises of 17 administrative zones; 8,000 railway stations; 15,000 trains and over 13 lakh employees. These numbers speak about the vastness of our railways. The Indian government isn’t in favor of privatization, as it can’t subsidize the poor passengers.