In a move aimed at strengthening affordable public transportation, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that Indian Railways will introduce 17,000 new non-AC general and sleeper coaches over the next five years. This ambitious plan, revealed during a session in Parliament, targets the vast majority of Indian travelers who rely on low-cost rail travel for daily commuting and long-distance journeys.
At present, around 70% of Indian Railways’ coach fleet—roughly 57,200 out of 82,200 coaches—are non-AC. These coaches cater to nearly 78% of total passenger seats available across the country. The number of passengers traveling in general or unreserved compartments continues to rise, reaching 651 crore in 2024-25, a notable jump from 609 crore the previous year. This growing demand underscores the importance of expanding and modernizing affordable rail services.
The rollout will include both general and sleeper class coaches, designed to enhance the travel experience without pushing up ticket prices. These efforts align with Indian Railways’ ongoing development of services like the Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat trains, which offer non-AC options with upgraded features while keeping fares within reach of the common man.
In the current financial year, the Railways has already added 1,250 new general coaches to long-distance trains. Plans are also in motion to introduce 100 fully non-AC Amrit Bharat trains. Each of these will include 11 general coaches and 8 sleeper coaches, equipped with modern amenities and improved accessibility for differently-abled passengers.
Minister Vaishnaw stressed that affordability and inclusivity remain core values for Indian Railways, even as the network advances into high-speed and luxury travel segments. With this expansion of non-AC coaches, the government aims to serve the everyday needs of millions of Indians who depend on the railways not just for travel, but as a vital part of their livelihood.
