SER Ranks 17th: South Eastern Railway Punctuality Crisis
The South Eastern Railway (SER) is facing a significant decline in operational efficiency, recently ranking 17th out of India's 18 railway zones for train punctuality. According to official Railway Board data obtained through an RTI application by the Jharkhand Rail Users Association, the zone's punctuality rate has fallen to 54.18% as of August in the 2026-27 fiscal year.
A Decade of Declining Performance
The data highlights a concerning long-term trend for the zone. Ten years ago, the South Eastern Railway maintained a punctuality rate of 90.72%, but that figure has now plummeted to the current 54.18%.
While some zones are struggling, others are setting the standard for on-time performance:
- East Coast Railway: Holds the lowest position with a 43.40% punctuality rate.
- South Eastern Central Railway (SECR): Ranks 16th with a rate of 54.38%.
- North Western Railway: Leads the country at 94.80%.
- Western Railway: Maintains a high rate of 94.10%.
- Southern Railway: Follows with 90.42%.
Division-Wise Performance Trends
Within the South Eastern Railway zone, performance varies significantly between divisions. Currently, the Ranchi division is performing better than the Chakradharpur, Kharagpur, and Adra divisions, which are experiencing more frequent delays.
Why Are Trains Facing Delays?
Officials have attributed the widespread punctuality issues to heavy track traffic and the necessity of frequent maintenance blocks. Several major infrastructure projects are currently underway, contributing to the disruption:
Major Infrastructure Projects Impacting Schedules:
- Chakradharpur Division: The commissioning of a fifth rail line throughout September and October 2026 has required scheduled maintenance blocks.
- Kharagpur Division: Expansion work at the Changail railway yard has resulted in additional schedule disruptions and train cancellations.
Impact on Commuters and Travelers
The persistent lack of reliability has drawn heavy criticism from passengers and rail organizations. Travelers frequently report missing vital connecting services due to these delays. In the Kolhan region, the situation has become so difficult that many commuters are increasingly forced to abandon rail travel in favor of alternative bus transport to ensure they reach their destinations on time.
While the Railway Board conducts periodic reviews and issues directives to improve zonal performance, the ongoing decline in service reliability remains a major point of contention for the traveling public.