Indian Railways is looking to ramp up its earnings from premium train services by 30 to 60 per cent in the next financial year. The plan? Put more high-end trains like Vande Bharat on track and maximise the use of Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Gatimaan Express services.
Despite the rising number of passengers in general compartments, demand for air-conditioned coaches is also on the rise. Railways officials note that AC and three-tier coaches bring in more revenue than the sleeper class, suggesting that premium services will continue to be a major revenue driver.
Vande Bharat trains, particularly their executive class seats, are proving to be big revenue generators. According to Railways data, revenue from this category is projected to hit ₹987 crore in 2025-26, a sharp jump from ₹698 crore in 2024-25. That’s a 56 per cent increase compared to the previous year, marking the highest revenue since the train’s launch.
Similarly, AC chair car services in semi-high-speed trains like Vande Bharat, Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Gatimaan Express are expected to see a 33 per cent rise in revenue. Projections suggest earnings from this category could reach Rs 5,626 crore in 2025-26, a significant leap from the estimated Rs 4,281 crore in 2024-25.
With more Vande Bharat trains set to be introduced in the coming months, Railways expects to cash in by expanding premium routes and adding more coaches to existing trains.
On the flip side, sleeper class and general coaches, which were expected to bring in Rs 34,000 crore, have so far recorded Rs 31,638 crore in revenue this financial year. Railways officials indicate that the final figures may fall short of the target
