Indian Railways Strengthens Affordable Travel with Record Production of Modern General and Non-AC Coaches

Passenger Comfort and Safety Enhanced with Better Stations, Fair Ticketing, and 30 Amrit Bharat Train Services

Record Coach Production:
- In FY 2025–26, Indian Railways produced 4,838 new LHB GS & Non-AC coaches (2,817 LS coaches, 2,021 LSCN coaches).
- Target for FY 2026–27: 4,802 LHB coaches (2,638 LS coaches, 2,164 LSCN coaches).
- Aim: expand affordable passenger capacity while modernizing the fleet.

Special Train Operations (Festive Rush):
- Over 43,000 special train trips in 2025.
- Breakdown: 17,340 for Maha Kumbh, 1,144 for Holi, 12,417 Summer Specials, 12,383 for Chhath Puja.
- Purpose: smoother travel during peak demand.

Passenger Holding Areas at Stations:
- 76 stations identified for new modular holding areas.
- Example: New Delhi Railway Station’s facility accommodates 7,000 passengers with toilets, ticketing, vending machines, and free RO water.
- Completion targeted before the 2026 festival season.

Ticketing Integrity:
- Aadhaar verification mandatory for Tatkal bookings.
- 5.73 crore suspicious/inactive IRCTC accounts deactivated or suspended.
- Advanced monitoring to prevent misuse of e-ticketing.

Safety Investments:
- ₹1,16,470 crore allocated for safety in FY 2025–26.
- Train accidents reduced from 135 (2014–15) to 11 (2025–26, up to Nov).
- Fog safety devices expanded from 90 (2014) to 25,939 (2025).

New Train Services:
- Amrit Bharat Express: Fully non-AC trains with Sleeper & General coaches.
- 13 new trains in 2025, total now 30 operational services.
- Namo Bharat Rapid Rail: Operational between Bhuj–Ahmedabad and Jaynagar–Patna.
- Strengthens affordable and regional connectivity.

Big Picture
Indian Railways is positioning itself as a passenger-first, inclusive transport system by:
- Expanding affordable non-AC capacity.
- Managing seasonal rush effectively.
- Enhancing station facilities.
- Enforcing ticketing integrity.
- Investing heavily in safety.
- Introducing new affordable train services.