PERFORMANCE OF RAILWAYS DURING APRIL-AUGUST 2003

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Indian Railways effected a saving of Rs. 1044.53 crores in working expenses during the first five months of the current financial year ending August 2003. As against the budgetary proportion of working expenses of Rs. 12744.38 crores, a total of Rs. 11699.85 crores was spent.

During the period, the gross earnings of railways were Rs. 16934.95 crores as against the budgetary target of Rs. 17563.47 crores, recording a dip in earnings by Rs. 628.52 crores.

The number of railway passengers was 2119.67 millions as compared to 2086.01 millions during the corresponding period of the previous year, registering an increase of 31.66 million passengers.

The punctuality of Mail and Express trains on broad gauge increased to 92.9 per cent from 90 per cent during the corresponding period of the previous year. On metre gauge, the punctuality was 92.9 per cent.