Rail passenger mobility at 70% of pre-Covid levels still shy of target

After two and a half years into the Covid-19 pandemic, rail passenger mobility is finally showing a consistent upward trajectory, as Indian Railways’ passenger boarding numbers in the first quarter (Q1) of the current financial year (2022-23, or FY23) show a 70 per cent recovery against pre-pandemic levels.

Between April and June, the national transporter saw 1.46 billion bookings for its passenger services, which include suburban and non-suburban trains. This number was a touch above 2 billion in April-June 2019, reveals the data by the Ministry of Railways.

“This is in line with the resumption of work from the office, schools, and colleges.