Ministry of Railways has unveiled plans to manufacture 17,000 general‑class and non‑AC sleeper coaches over the next five years. The announcement, delivered in the Lok Sabha by the Railways Minister, underscores the government’s commitment to equitable mobility and budget‑friendly infrastructure. Currently, Indian Railways operates a total fleet of approximately 82,200 coaches, of which roughly 70% (57,200) are non‑AC coaches.
These coaches provide nearly 78% of the 6.9 million daily seats available across the network—serving as the backbone of affordable rail travel. During the 2024–25 fiscal period alone, 1,250 general‑class coaches were added to long‑distance services to meet surging demand. Usage statistics reveal that passenger numbers in unreserved coaches climbed to 651 crore, up from 609 crore the previous year—highlighting the enormous scale of demand. The initiative also includes the rollout of Amrit Bharat Express trainsets, fully non‑AC rakes offering modern facilities tailored to budget travellers. These trains feature a composition of 11 general coaches, 8 sleeper coaches, a pantry car, and two luggage‑cum‑guard vans with accessible compartments. Fourteen such trainsets are already operational, with plans to introduce an additional 100 units.
This manufacture drive is aligned with the national emphasis on inclusive infrastructure. It complements broader Railways efforts such as Kavach, India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection system, which now covers 1,548 route kilometres, and reflects sustained growth in rail operations—from an average of 13,169 passenger trains per day in 2019–20 to 13,940 in 2024–25. A senior ministry official commented that increasing non‑AC coach capacity is central to supporting lower and middle‑income passengers, while also encouraging modal shift away from private vehicles—contributing to India’s low‑carbon transport agenda.
Rail and transport analysts welcomed the expansion, noting its resonance with climate‑friendly mobility strategies and the ‘rail‑first’ policy ethos, which prioritises scalable, equitable transit modes. They pointed out that improving general coach capacity may also ease pressure on urban areas and regional transport networks. This manufacturing drive will likely leverage production plants such as the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai and the Modern Coach Factory in Raebareli, both critical to India’s coach output expansion under the Make‑in‑India framework.
As the plan unfolds over the next five years, its success will depend on timely delivery, safety compliance, and integration with suburban and long‑haul services. For India’s vast population reliant on railways for essential mobility, the 17,000 non‑AC coaches promise an important boost in accessibility, safety and affordability—reinforcing rail transport’s foundational role in inclusive and sustainable urban futures.
Also Read : Goa Records 13 Percent Above Normal Rainfall In July 2025
