Mumbai, (Maharashtra) : In a significant update on operational performance and expansion, Central Railway has reported major developments in passenger services, infrastructure, and freight operations over the past year. Addressing a press conference in Mumbai, General Manager Prateek Goswami outlined key achievements and ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity and efficiency across the railway network.
A major highlight of the announcement was the introduction of seven new trains, including a Vande Bharat service operating between Pune and Nagpur six days a week. Additionally, two Amrit Bharat trains have been launched, connecting Lokmanya Tilak Terminus with Saharsa and Panvel with Alipurduar, further strengthening long-distance connectivity.
The expansion in passenger services reflects a strong push towards improving travel convenience and meeting rising demand across regions. Alongside long-distance services, suburban operations also witnessed notable growth. Ten new suburban services were introduced, increasing the total number to 50. Furthermore, 14 new air-conditioned local trains were added on the Harbour Line, taking the total number of AC locals to 94.
The railway network also managed a substantial number of special train operations to accommodate peak travel demand. Over 1,000 special trains were operated, covering 8,840 trips, including 348 festival special services. Looking ahead, an extensive summer schedule has been planned, with 2,169 trips proposed, out of which 1,359 will cater specifically to Maharashtra.
Infrastructure development has been another key area of focus. Central Railway reported the addition of 76 new halts and the construction of seven new stations. At the same time, 12 stations have been modernised under the Amrit Station Scheme, aimed at improving passenger amenities and overall travel experience.
Efforts to enhance operational efficiency have also led to an increase in train speeds, with 77 pairs of trains now running at speeds of up to 133 kilometres per hour. However, punctuality saw a slight dip due to ongoing infrastructure works, with mail and express trains recording 82 percent punctuality, while suburban services maintained a higher rate of 92 percent.
On the freight front, the railway reported total loading of 79.34 million tonnes, reflecting a decline of 3.9 percent compared to the previous year. This decrease was primarily attributed to a significant 16 percent drop in coal transportation. Despite this, other sectors showed positive growth.
Freight movement of iron ore increased substantially from 1.54 million tonnes to 4.16 million tonnes, while petroleum products recorded a rise of 12.6 percent, reaching 6.32 million tonnes. These figures indicate a shift in freight dynamics and diversification of cargo handled by the railway network.
The overall performance highlights a balanced approach, combining service expansion, infrastructure development, and operational improvements. Central Railway’s continued focus on modernization and capacity enhancement underscores its commitment to delivering efficient, reliable, and future-ready rail services.
As passenger demand continues to grow and freight requirements evolve, the railway’s ongoing initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in strengthening connectivity and supporting economic activity across regions.
