3rd AC Becomes Indian Railways Top Revenue Earner

27 Feb 2025 CW Team

Indian Railways has witnessed a remarkable surge in 3rd AC travel, with passenger numbers and revenue skyrocketing post-Covid, surpassing sleeper class for the first time in history. The shift underscores a growing preference for comfort, hygiene, and affordability among train travelers.

Key Trends Driving the Shift Unprecedented Growth in 3rd AC Passengers: In 2019-20, only 110 million passengers (1.4% of total travelers) opted for 3rd AC. By 2024-25, this number soared to 26 crore, marking a 19% rise.

Revenue Surge: Indian Railways’ earnings from 3rd AC ticket sales have jumped from Rs 123 billion in 2019-20 to Rs 300 billion in 2024-25, outpacing sleeper class as the top revenue generator.

Changing Passenger Preferences: Post-pandemic, travelers are prioritising cleaner and more comfortable travel options, leading to a mass migration from sleeper class to 3rd AC.

The data reflects a transformative shift in train travel habits, with 3rd AC emerging as the new standard for long-distance rail journeys in India.

Infrastructure Urban

09 Jan 2026

Mount Invests Rs 250 Cr, Adds PUF & PEB Plants, 400+ Jobs

TUMKUR, Karnataka, January 8, 2025 - Mount Roofing & Structures Private Limited, one of India's fastest-growing manufacturers in PUF and a leading solutions provider across Pre-Engineered Building (PEB) and Polycarbonate sheets, simultaneously inaugurated its second fully automated continuous Sandwich Panel manufacturing line and a new PEB manufacturing plant at its integrated campus in Tumkur." The milestone expansion, part of a total investment of INR 250 crores, marks a significant advancement in the company's commitment to engineered performance, manu..

Titan Intech Strengthens UltraLED Push With Global LED Veteran

Titan Intech has announced the induction of global LED industry veteran Su Piow Ko to its Board of Directors, marking a strategic step in strengthening its UltraLED Displays roadmap and building globally competitive LED display solutions from India.The appointment aligns with Titan Intech’s ambition to position India as a hub for advanced, high-quality LED display manufacturing. With an increased focus on UltraLED Displays, the company aims to enhance technical governance, raise manufacturing standards and expand its presence across global markets.Su Piow Ko brings over three decades of inte..

Dun & Bradstreet Flags New Growth Engines in India 2026 Outlook

Dun & Bradstreet has released its India 2026: D&B’s Perspective report, projecting a stable macroeconomic environment underpinned by fresh opportunities for productivity-led and inclusive growth. The report outlines how India’s next growth phase will be driven by digitised logistics, trusted data ecosystems, clean energy and rising city vitality.According to the outlook, India’s GDP growth is expected to reach around 6.6 per cent by FY2027, supported by resilient consumer demand and sustained public investment. Manufacturing is seen entering a new phase, moving beyond scale towar..