The number of railway passengers travelling across India increased significantly over the past seven months, with an additional 17.61 crore passengers using train services between April and October 2025, according to figures released on Friday.During this period, Indian Railways continued to run an extensive network of services, with approximately 12,617 passenger trains operating daily, carrying an estimated 2.40 crore travellers every day.
The rise in ridership reflects growing reliance on rail travel for both long-distance and suburban journeys, as trains remain a key mode of affordable transport across the country. Railways officials attributed part of this increase to enhanced services and connectivity, even as other factors such as seasonal travel and greater mobility following festival periods contributed to higher footfall.
This robust growth comes amid ongoing changes in railway operations, including efforts to add more seats and improve service quality to meet rising demand. Initiatives by Southern Railway and other zonal divisions — such as adding additional coaches and upgrading existing services — aim to ease overcrowding and provide better comfort for passengers.
The increase in rail patronage highlights the continued importance of the railways in India’s transport ecosystem, even as discussions around fare adjustments and infrastructure enhancements continue within government and public circles.