Indian Railways is intensifying efforts to modernise its non-AC and general passenger services, reinforcing its focus on inclusive, affordable, and passenger-friendly travel across the country. Recent initiatives highlight record production of modern LHB General and non-AC coaches, alongside strengthened safety measures, improved station facilities, and targeted operational enhancements aimed at everyday commuters.
In the current financial year 2025–26, Indian Railways is set to produce 4,838 LHB non-AC coaches, comprising 2,817 LS coaches and 2,021 LSCN coaches. For 2026–27, production targets remain robust at 4,802 coaches, reflecting a sustained commitment to expanding non-premium travel capacity. A senior railway official notes that these additions not only increase capacity but also improve travel comfort, safety, and operational efficiency, reinforcing the railways’ inclusive mandate. The emphasis on passenger-first planning extends to seasonal operations, with over 43,000 special train services run in 2025 to manage peak demand during festivals and large-scale events. Services included over 17,000 for the Maha Kumbh, more than 12,000 for Summer Specials, and thousands of additional trips during Holi and Chhath Puja, ensuring congestion mitigation and timely connectivity for millions of passengers. Experts emphasise that such proactive measures strengthen railways’ urban and regional mobility role, reducing reliance on road travel and lowering emissions from alternative transport modes.
Station infrastructure has also seen targeted upgrades, with 76 major stations slated for modernised passenger holding areas, modelled on the New Delhi Railway Station Yatri Suvidha Kendra. Facilities include modular waiting spaces, toilets, automatic ticketing, and free drinking water, designed to enhance passenger convenience and reduce crowding during high-traffic periods. Urban planners highlight these developments as critical to improving station-level inclusivity and accessibility. On the ticketing front, Indian Railways has introduced Aadhaar-linked verification for Tatkal bookings and e-ticketing, deactivating over 5.7 crore suspicious or inactive accounts to ensure genuine passengers can access services. Complementing these operational reforms, safety investments have risen sharply, with 84 per cent of allocated funds deployed and fog safety devices expanding from 90 in 2014 to nearly 26,000 in 2025. Reported consequential train accidents have declined dramatically, underscoring the impact of systematic safety upgrades.
The introduction of Amrit Bharat Express trains and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services further strengthens regional non-AC connectivity, providing high-quality travel options at affordable fares. With 30 Amrit Bharat services operational and targeted regional routes enhanced, the Indian Railways network is increasingly positioned as a modern, inclusive, and sustainable transit system that prioritises everyday travellers while supporting equitable urban and regional mobility.
Indian Railways Boosts Affordable Non AC Travel
