Is IRCTC Closing Tejas Express India’s First Private Train Temporarily or Permanently?

Indian Railway's Decision to Suspend Tejas Express Operations

Indian Railway, specifically IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation), has suspended the operations of its premium day trains, the Lucknow-Delhi and Mumbai-Ahmedabad Tejas Express, due to low occupancy levels. These premium trains cater primarily to business and corporate travelers, who are increasingly preferring virtual meetings over in-person travel, especially during the ongoing global pandemic.

The occupancy rates for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Tejas Express have been particularly concerning, ranging from 25% to 40%. This low occupancy means that the railway board has had to pay the private operators for services, even when there are few passengers. In the past, Indian Railways were known to continue operating trains even if they were not fully occupied, but in recent times, they have shown more flexibility.

Indian Railway’s Official Statement

Indian Railway has stated that the decision to cancel the Tejas Express services is due to low occupancy levels resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. In their official statement, they mentioned that the cancellation is a temporary measure and that they will review their decision once the occupancy levels of other Indian Railways trains in these routes improve.

”The management has decided to cancel all departures of the IRCTC Tejas trains due to low occupancy levels resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The company will review its decision after seeing the occupancy level of other trains of the Indian Railways operating in both these routes.”

This statement clarifies that the cancellation is more in the nature of a temporary suspension rather than a permanent closure. It suggests that the decision is based on current conditions and the expectation that the occupancy levels will improve as the pandemic situation stabilizes.

Implications and Future Prospects

The suspension of Tejas Express services raises significant questions about the future of private trains in India. While the railways are showing a willingness to suspend low-occupancy lines, it is uncertain whether this will lead to a permanent shift in policy.

For the Tejas Express, a permanent closure could have severe implications for the future of private train services. It would indicate that the railways do not perceive private operators as a valuable partner, which could impact the broader travel landscape in India. On the other hand, a temporary suspension is more likely to be a short-term measure to adapt to the current travel environment.

Market analysts suggest that the demand for private train services will likely recover as the economy and travel habits stabilize. However, the extent of this recovery remains to be seen and will depend on various factors, including government policies, the pace of economic recovery, and changing travel behaviors.

Conclusion

While the current suspension of Tejas Express services is a temporary measure, the long-term implications for private train services in India remain uncertain. Whether it is a permanent closure or a transitional period, the situation highlights the changing dynamics of Indian railways and the evolving travel landscape in the country.

Irrespective of the final outcome, it is clear that the pandemic has brought significant changes to the way we travel. As we move forward, the resilience of the private train sector in India will crucially depend on how well it adapts to these new conditions.