As per official data, railways registered the worst punctuality rate in 3 years, with 30 percent trains running late in 2017-18.
In comparison to the corresponding period of 2016-17, the punctuality of mail and express trains during April 2017-March 2018 was recorded at a decline of 5.30 percent. It was 71.39 percent in April 2017- March 2018 while it was 76.69 percent in the period of 2016-2017. In 2015-2016, 77.44 percent trains ran on time.
Railways has undertaken massive maintenance work, which has directly affected its punctuality performance, officials said.
Indian Railways put in over 15 lakh maintenance blocks in 2687 locations in 2016-17. This caused delays in both mail and express trains. In 2017-18, the number of blocks rose to 18 lakh in 4,426 locations.
“We are also making efforts to improve punctuality of trains without compromising with safety and upgrading of tracks,” Rajesh Dutt Bajpai, Director (Media and Communication), Ministry of Railways said.
Pointing out the delay in trains, passengers have taken to social media on many occasions. They have posted pictures and shared stories about their experience.
