Indian Railways has now decided to make rail travel more affordable. It will add 17,000 non-AC coaches over five years. The move also aims to expand Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat rapid rail services to provide high-quality services for travellers with low income.
Indian Railways Plans To Introduce 17,000 Non-AC General Coaches
In a major development, Indian Railways plans to introduce 17,000 additional non-AC general and sleeper coaches over the next five years. The move aims to make travel affordable for people with low incomes. These coaches will focus on providing comfort and high-quality services despite being budget-friendly.
As per a report by NDTV, the percentage of non-AC coaches in trains by Indian Railways has increased by 70%. And that’s not all! A special manufacturing programme is also being implemented to produce additional non-AC general and sleeper coaches. Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament on Wednesday that currently, around 70% of the passenger coaches are non-AC, which shows a shift towards meeting the rising demand for these coaches. The number of seats available for non-AC travellers is around 54 lakh, which accounts for 78%, while AC coaches make up the remaining 22%.
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Low-Cost Travel For Long Distances
Reportedly, the Minister of Railways also informed that 1,250 general coaches were already being used as long-distance trains during the financial year 2024-25. This is a strategy by the authorities to offer low-cost travel options for the poor and lower middle class, especially through mail, express, and regular passenger trains.
Not only that, Indian Railways has also launched services like non-AC Amrit Bharat Express and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, which promise high-quality services to a large majority of people from lower-income groups. The high availability of general coaches has also increased the number of passengers travelling in general/unreserved coaches. The trend has increased from 553 crore in 2022-23 to 609 crore in 2023-24 and 651 crore in 2024-25. The new 100 Amrit Bharat trains will also enhance non-AC services. They will include 11 general coaches, eight sleeper coaches, one pantry car, and two guard vans with facilities for the differently abled.
All these new changes in Indian Railways, with the expansion of general class facilities, are part of a broader plan to make travel affordable and comfortable. What do you think of this decision? Let us know.
Cover Image Courtesy: Indian Railways, Wikipedia/ Harshul12345