Indian Railways Reports Improved Train Punctuality In FY 2025–26

Indian Railways has recorded a notable improvement in the punctuality of Mail and Express trains in the current financial year, according to data shared in Parliament.

For the April–October period of FY 2025–26, train punctuality reached approximately 80 per cent, up from 77.12 per cent reported in the previous fiscal year.

Responding to a query in the Lok Sabha on December 3, 2025, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed the year-on-year progress and emphasised the government’s continued focus on ensuring timely train operations. He noted that while punctuality has risen, several external and operational challenges continue to affect schedules.

Vaishnaw outlined a range of factors that commonly lead to delays, including dense fog during winter, congestion on busy routes, routine asset maintenance, alarm chain pulling by passengers, public agitations, cattle run-overs, and other unpredictable events.

The minister also highlighted that the rollout of new train services is dependent on multiple considerations—such as route capacity, operational feasibility, and overall network efficiency—underscoring that punctuality remains a key parameter as the Railways plans future expansion.

Providing an update on India’s flagship high-speed rail initiative, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament that construction of the Mumbai–Ahmedabad High Speed Rail (MAHSR) corridor is progressing.

India’s first bullet train line —508-km project— is being developed with both technical expertise and financial support from the Government of Japan.

Vaishnaw noted that high-speed rail ventures are extremely capital-intensive and require careful evaluation before expansion.

Decisions on launching additional projects, he said, depend on several factors, including technical feasibility studies, economic and financial viability, projected passenger demand, and the availability of funds or financing options.

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