Rail passenger traffic volume scales 12-month high

Indian Railway passenger originating data shows a steady increase month-on-month (as cited on CEIC website) from 294.5 million in September 2021, to 344.4 million in October 2021, 376.9 million in November 2021, and 397.1 million in December 2021. In January 2022, the volume dipped to 345.2 million, mainly because of the 3^rd wave of Covid-19 cases in the country, followed by a sharp recovery to 413.7 million.

While the latest available data points to a steady increase in passenger traffic volume, there is still a long way to go in comparison to the highest level of 858.03 million recorded in June 2014.

Source: www.ceicdata.com

The increase in passenger traffic volume will likely provide the impetus for attracting a higher volume of investments in railway media. Toward this, RailTel has floated a tender inviting bids for the Railway Display Network (RDN) that includes installation and operation of display screens at foot overbridges, platforms, waiting rooms and concourses at stations.

Under the RDN project, some 65,000 digital display screens will be installed at around 2,000 stations, according to a statement issued by RailTel. The screens will display details related to train arrival, departure, train running status, platform, passenger amenities, passengers’ security and safety, emergency messages, messages related to disaster management, infotainment and social messages for engaging passengers. Advertising rights will be awarded to the company or consortia that wins the rights.