Indian Railways boosts affordable travel with record non-AC coach production

New Delhi: Indian Railways strengthened affordable rail travel for common passengers by recording its highest-ever production of modern General and non-AC coaches, the Ministry of Railways said on Tuesday.

The move formed part of a broader passenger-first strategy focused on improving comfort, safety and access while keeping fares affordable. Through sustained capital investment, operational reforms and technology adoption, Indian Railways aimed to meet rising demand from everyday travellers.

During the current financial year 2025–26, Indian Railways planned the production of 4,838 new LHB General and non-AC coaches. This included 2,817 LS coaches and 2,021 LSCN coaches. For 2026–27, the production target was fixed at 4,802 LHB coaches, comprising 2,638 LS and 2,164 LSCN coaches.

Officials said the expanded production would significantly increase carrying capacity while improving safety and travel comfort. As a result, Indian Railways sought to reinforce inclusive and affordable rail travel across the country.

To manage festive and seasonal rush, Indian Railways operated more than 43,000 special train trips during 2025. These included 17,340 services for the Maha Kumbh, 1,144 for Holi, 12,417 summer specials and 12,383 trains for Chhath Puja. Consequently, congestion eased and passenger movement improved during peak travel periods.

Affordable rail travel strengthened through safety, stations and new trains

Indian Railways also focused on better crowd management at major stations. It identified 76 stations for the development of passenger holding areas based on the Yatri Suvidha Kendra model at New Delhi Railway Station. The New Delhi facility, completed in four months, accommodates around 7,000 passengers and provides toilets, ticketing facilities, ATVMs and free RO drinking water. Authorities plan to complete similar facilities before the 2026 festival season.

To ensure fair access to tickets, Indian Railways strengthened its e-ticketing system through Aadhaar verification and advanced monitoring tools. Only Aadhaar-verified users can now book Tatkal tickets. Using data-driven checks, officials deactivated or temporarily suspended 5.73 crore suspicious and inactive IRCTC user accounts.

Passenger safety remained a top priority during the year. Indian Railways utilised 84 per cent of the funds allocated for safety works under the Gross Budgetary Support for 2025–26. Consequential train accidents declined from 135 in 2014–15 to 31 in 2024–25 and further to 11 in 2025–26 up to November. The safety budget rose to ₹1,16,470 crore, nearly triple the level a decade earlier. Fog safety devices increased from 90 in 2014 to 25,939 in 2025.

To improve non-AC and regional connectivity, Indian Railways expanded Amrit Bharat Express services. During 2025, it introduced 13 new trains, taking the total operational Amrit Bharat services to 30. These fully non-AC trains offer Sleeper and General Class coaches with modern amenities at affordable fares. In addition, two Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services became operational on the Bhuj–Ahmedabad and Jaynagar–Patna routes.

Officials said the combined measures underscored Indian Railways’ commitment to affordable rail travel by expanding non-AC capacity, strengthening safety systems, improving station infrastructure and ensuring fair ticketing for genuine passengers.