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For millions of Indians, the railway is more than just a mode of transport it's a daily companion, a lifeline that connects cities, cultures, and communities across the country. And in a year packed with major events like the Kumbh Mela, the pressure on this vast network has been immense. Yet, despite the surge in passenger volumes and logistical challenges, Indian Railways has largely managed to stay on track quite literally.
According to the H1 2025 Rail Performance Report by RailYatri, India’s leading train travel platform, average train delays rose only marginally in the first half of 2025. The average delay moved from 35.75 minutes in 2024 to 36.63 minutes — an increase of just 2.45 per cent. The median delay also ticked up slightly, from 18.16 to 18.58 minutes. While this marks a small reversal in the steady improvement seen in recent years, performance remains better than in 2023, when delays averaged 37.91 minutes.
Kumbh Mela Rush
The Mahakumbh 2025, known as Kumbh Mela one of the world’s largest religious gatherings significantly tested railway infrastructure, especially across northern and eastern corridors. Despite this, the system maintained much of its 2024 performance gains. RailYatri notes that although the figures reflect slight slippages, they must be understood within the context of unusually high traffic levels.
Rajasthan Stands Out, Chhattisgarh Struggles
At the state level, performance varied sharply. Rajasthan emerged as a standout performer, showing a 23.61 per cent drop in average delays, bringing the figure down from 38.93 to 29.74 minutes. Its median delay also improved from 15.15 to 13 minutes, suggesting consistency across routes.
On the other hand, Chhattisgarh experienced a steep decline. Average delays there rose by 24.56 per cent, jumping from 60.21 minutes in 2024 to 74.99 minutes in the first half of 2025. Once among the top-performing states, Chhattisgarh now faces renewed challenges in managing punctuality.
Rajdhani Impresses, Humsafar Lags
Among train categories, Rajdhani Express services reported a noteworthy improvement. Delays fell by 17.06 per cent, bringing the average down to 29.06 minutes. Given Rajdhani’s reputation as a premium service, this is a welcome development for frequent long-distance travellers.
In contrast, the Humsafar Express faced the biggest setbacks, with delays rising by 26.51 per cent — from 58.18 to 73.61 minutes. RailYatri’s report suggests the service may need review and operational upgrades to restore punctuality.
Pressure Zones: Eastern Corridors in Focus
Several eastern routes faced particular pressure during the Kumbh Mela and beyond. Rail corridors such as Howrah–Kharagpur, Ranchi–Dhanbad, and Bhubaneswar–Cuttack showed noticeable delays, highlighting the need for infrastructure attention in these areas. Travellers using these lines are advised to account for possible delays until improvement projects take shape.
RailYatri's Role in Smarter Travel
RailYatri, with its real-time train tracking, PNR status updates, and travel planning tools, has become a key platform for India’s rail users. By publishing detailed performance reports, it aims to empower passengers with useful information while also highlighting areas where railway services can improve.
Considering the sheer scale of events like the Kumbh Mela and the steady passenger growth, the railway system has shown great resilience. Minor setbacks are natural, but the data shows we are still ahead of where we were just a year ago.
The Track Ahead
The first half of 2025 has shown that while progress in train punctuality isn’t always linear, India’s rail network is adapting under pressure. With continued monitoring, smart planning, and targeted infrastructure upgrades, Indian Railways can build on the solid foundation established in recent years.
RailYatri’s H1 2025 report paints a picture of a system facing challenges head-on — with some hits and a few misses but continuing to move in the right direction.
