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Indian Railways ridership 2025: Over 693 crore passengers travelled by train till November

Indian Railways passenger traffic: In 2025, the national transporter served 693.25 crore passengers between January 1 and November 30.

Indian Railways passenger traffic in 2025 (Image generated using AI)Indian Railways passenger traffic in 2025 (Image generated using AI)

Indian Railways annual ridership 2025, Indian Railways passenger numbers: Indian Railways is considered to be the most affordable means of transport compared to road and air travel. In 2025, the national transporter served 693.25 crore passengers between January 1 and November 30. In the financial year 2024-25, a total of 715 crore passengers travelled by train. 

Of these, 81 crore passengers travelled in the reserved category, including AC and sleeper classes, while 634 crore used unreserved trains. This figure also includes suburban travel, which accounts for over 55 per cent of Indian Railways’ total passenger traffic.

Indian Railways passengers per year

In FY 2023–24, Indian Railways recorded 648 crore passenger journeys, marking an increase of 52 crore compared to FY 2022–23, when 596 crore passengers travelled.

Indian Railways special trains 2025

It also operated over 43,000 special train services this year to meet high demand and clear the extra passenger rush during Mahakumbh, Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhath festivals. 

On Friday, in a release, the Ministry of Railways said: “During 2025, Indian Railways undertook one of its largest special train operations for Maha Kumbh, operating 17,340 special train trips between 13 January and 28 February 2025 to facilitate the movement of a very large number of pilgrims. For Holi 2025, held from 1 March to 22 March 2025, 1,144 special train trips were operated, nearly double the number run during Holi 2024, ensuring better availability and smoother festive travel.

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The Summer travel season of 2025, spanning 1 April to 30 June, saw the operation of 12,417 Summer Special train trips, maintaining a high level of service during peak vacation months. Special arrangements for Chhath Puja 2025 were further strengthened, with 12,383 special train trips operated between 1 October and 30 November 2025, marking a substantial increase over the previous year.”

Indian Railways Special Trains Operations (2024-2025)

Festival & Seasonal Services: Special train trips operated for major events and holidays
Aastha Special
30.01.24 - 11.03.24
326
Circular trips
Holi Special 2024
12.03.24 - 02.04.24
604
Train trips
Summer Special 2024
01.04.24 - 30.06.24
12,919
Train trips
Chhath Special 2024
01.10.24 - 15.12.24
7,990
Train trips
Maha Kumbh Special 2025
13.01.25 - 28.02.25
17,340
Train trips
Holi Special 2025
01.03.25 - 22.03.25
1,144
Train trips
Summer Special 2025
01.04.25 - 30.06.25
12,417
Train trips
Chhath Special 2025
01.10.25 - 30.11.25
12,383
Train trips
Express InfoGenIE

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

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