Indian Railways, the backbone of India's transport infrastructure, continues to play a crucial role in connecting the nation and driving economic growth. As one of the world's largest railway networks, Indian Railways has seen a remarkable increase in its financial performance over the years. But how much income does this vast network generate annually? Let’s dive into the impressive figures and the factors contributing to this financial powerhouse.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, Indian Railways reached a record high in its total receipts, amounting to ₹2,56,093 crores. This significant income is a reflection of the strategic investments and modernization efforts that have been undertaken to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the network.
| Income Source | Revenue Generated (₹ Crores) |
|---|---|
| Passenger Services | Approx. 60,000+ |
| Freight Operations | Approx. 1,70,000+ |
| Other Sources | Approx. 26,093+ |
| Total Receipts | 2,56,093 |
The government's commitment to transforming Indian Railways into a world-class entity is evident in the record capital expenditure (Capex) allocated in the Union Budget 2024-25. A whopping ₹2,62,200 crores has been earmarked for Indian Railways, with Gross Budgetary Support set at ₹2,52,200 crores. This is a significant increase from ₹2,40,200 crores in the previous fiscal year and a monumental rise from ₹28,174 crores in 2013-14.
| Fiscal Year | Capex Allocation (₹ Crores) | Gross Budgetary Support (₹ Crores) |
|---|---|---|
| 2013-14 | 28,174 | - |
| 2023-24 | 2,40,200 | - |
| 2024-25 | 2,62,200 | 2,52,200 |
The income generated by Indian Railways is bolstered by its impressive achievements in both freight operations and electrification projects. In FY 2023-24, Indian Railways recorded an all-time high freight loading of 1,588 million tonnes (MT), up from 1,095 MT in 2014-15. The goal is to reach 3,000 MT by 2030, a target that seems well within reach given the current growth trajectory.
In terms of electrification, Indian Railways has electrified 41,655 Route Kilometers (RKMs) between 2014 and 2024, nearly doubling the 21,413 RKMs electrified before 2014. This achievement not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
| Metric | 2014-15 | 2023-24 | 2014-2024 | Pre-2014 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freight Loading (MT) | 1,095 | 1,588 | Target 3,000 MT by 2030 | - |
| Electrification (RKMs) | - | - | 41,655 | 21,413 |
The annual income of Indian Railways, amounting to ₹2,56,093 crores in FY 2023-24, highlights the financial strength and operational efficiency of this vast network. Supported by record government investments and strategic modernization efforts, Indian Railways is well-positioned to continue its growth and contribute significantly to India’s economy.
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