230% Increase In Train Bookings Across India As Passengers Start Travelling

By Shreya Bose Last updated Jun 10, 2021

The Indian Railways has seen a massive jump in reservations as operations resume after lifting of lockdowns.

The Figures

On June 7, 14.6 lakh train reservations were made, a vast difference compared to 6.3 lakh bookings made on May 15.

This is a hike of 230%, a momentum Railway Board Chairman and CEO Suneet Sharma expects to continue till the next 2 months.

Sharma further said that in order to accommodate future demand, 26 clone trains are currently operating.

A clone train is a duplicate train which runs on high-demand routes, with added benefits of higher speed and fewer stoppages.

It is used during times of high demand from passengers, as it runs parallel to the original train on the same route.

The Indian Railways first started experimenting with clone trains last September, which was a success.

The railways is also looking to add more trains as the country opens up once again.

Presently the Indian Railways comprise 889 Special Mail Express trains, 479 passenger trains and 26 clone trains.

It is considering allowing passengers without a negative RT-PCR report, but who have received vaccination.

The vaccination certificate can be displayed on the Aarogya Setu app.

This move could incentivise people to get themselves vaccinated.

Any decision made will likely be announced by June 15.

As the process of unlocking gains speed across states, 100 more trains will start running within a week.

This step would improve state-wise connectivity and also cater to public demand and convenience.