Reaching destinations on time by a long-distance train in India was something we could hardly image before lockdown. There were innumerable signals, unavailability of paths and absence of enough platforms that led to the delays. Now, for the first time in history, Indian Railways has claimed a 100 percent punctuality rate. All the 201 trains running on July 1, 2020 reached their destinations without delays.
Indian Railways Achieves 100% ‘On-Time’ Record
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, Indian Railways used to operate about 13,000 trains on a daily basis. However, now only a limited number of trains are running. Therefore, the congestion on the tracks is reduced. 12 pairs of special trains are running on the Rajdhani routes since May 12 and 200 non-AC trains are running from June 1. A month ago, the railways had sent a formal letter to its zones to ensure that 230 special trains run with 100 percent punctuality. The total count of trains operating now is less than two percent of the 13,000 trains that used to run earlier. Railways Board Chairman V K Yadav has urged the divisional railway managers to ensure that the 100 pairs of passenger trains and 15 pairs of Rajdhani special trains maintain their schedules.
Union Minister of Railways, Piyush Goyal took to Twitter to share the ‘good news’ of railways achieving 100% punctuality rate.
Trains in the Fast Lane: Enhancing services to unprecedented levels, Indian Railways made history on 1st July, 2020 by achieving 100% punctuality rate. pic.twitter.com/zqNXFNx4Z6
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) July 2, 2020
Also Read: Indian Railways Deploys 960 COVID Care Coaches In 5 Indian States
Private Entities Might Operate Passenger Trains Soon
Railways is also mulling over roping in private entities to operate passenger trains. It has planned to invite Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for participation on 109 pairs of routes through 151 modern trains, as per reports. The project will involve an estimated private sector investment of about ₹30,000 crore. Indian Railways has carried about 60 lakh migrant workers home on Shramik special trains, that had been operating from May 1. Also, railways had to cancel many passenger trains due to the coronavirus lockdown.
Also Read: Now Indian Railway AC Systems Will Be Similar To Those Of Hospitals
If you are planning to travel by train, bus or flight in India now, you need to keep some compulsory guidelines in mind. You have to wear a mask, carry a hand sanitizer and have the Aarogya Setu app installed on your phone. On that note, check out this underwater bullet train that can take you to UAE from Mumbai in just 2 hours!