East Coast Railway Records 18% Growth in Passenger Earnings During H1 FY 2026-27

East Coast Railway has recorded strong growth in passenger earnings during the first six months of the financial year 2026–27, with passenger revenue increasing by 18.01% compared with the corresponding period of the previous financial year.

Strong Growth in Passenger Revenue
- East Coast Railway recorded passenger earnings of ₹1,079.30 crore during April-September 2026.
- Passenger earnings increased by 18.01% compared to ₹914.62 crore earned during the corresponding period of the previous financial year.
- The growth highlights the strong performance of passenger services across the zone.

Growth in Passenger Bookings
- Passenger bookings reached 38.77 million during April-September 2026.
- Passenger bookings registered a growth of 1.76% compared to 38.10 million during the corresponding period last year.
- The increase reflects sustained demand for rail travel across the East Coast Railway network.

Increase in Average Earnings Per Passenger
- Passenger earnings grew at a much faster pace than passenger bookings.
- Average earnings per passenger increased from approximately ₹240 to ₹278.
- Average earnings per passenger registered a growth of around 16%.

Factors Driving Revenue Growth
- Greater patronage of AC and premium train services contributed significantly to higher earnings.
- Increased usage of premium services such as Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains supported revenue growth.
- Introduction of new train services helped attract more passengers.
- Extension of existing trains improved connectivity and passenger convenience.
- Augmentation of coaches on popular routes enhanced carrying capacity.
- Operation of special trains during festive and holiday seasons catered to additional demand.
- Strong patronage on tourism and pilgrimage routes boosted passenger traffic.
- Wider adoption of digital ticketing facilities contributed to improved passenger service delivery.

Division-wise Performance
- Khurda Road Division
- Recorded passenger earnings of ₹744.96 crore.
- Registered a growth of 18.68% over the previous year.

Sambalpur Division
- Earned ₹133.76 crore.
- Registered a growth of 12.78%.

Rayagada Division
- Recorded passenger earnings of ₹53.10 crore.
- Registered a growth of 24.41%, the highest among the divisions.

Ticket Checking Performance
- Registered 5.15 lakh cases of ticketless and irregular travel up to September 30, 2026.
- Realised ₹36.21 crore through ticket checking activities.
- Earnings from ticket checking increased by 27.28% compared to the corresponding period last year.
- Focused ticket checking drives contributed to improved revenue realisation.

Key Highlights
- Passenger earnings grew by 18.01% year-on-year.
- Passenger bookings increased by 1.76%.
- Average earnings per passenger rose by approximately 16%.
- Premium train services and capacity enhancement measures supported revenue growth.
- Ticket checking activities generated higher revenue and improved compliance.