Indian Railways is embarking on a major infrastructure upgrade, with plans to introduce 17,000 new non-air-conditioned (non-AC) general and sleeper coaches over the next five years. This large-scale expansion aims to enhance affordable travel options for millions of price-sensitive passengers across the country.

According to a recent statement by the Ministry of Railways, the initiative is part of a broader strategy to address the increasing demand for general class travel and to offer better comfort and accessibility to passengers from lower-income backgrounds who depend on rail as their primary mode of long-distance transport.

Boosting Capacity for Budget Travellers
Non-AC coaches currently make up about 70% of Indian Railways’ passenger fleet, providing 5.4 million seats, which accounts for approximately 78% of the national seating capacity. The move to add more coaches reflects a clear focus on inclusivity and meeting the mobility needs of India’s large population base.

As quoted in The Hindu BusinessLine (July 2025), Railway officials highlighted that the first wave of 1,250 new non-AC coaches has already been deployed during FY 2024-25, primarily on long-distance routes. These include additions to conventional Mail and Express trains and the recently introduced Amrit Bharat Express and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, which provide upgraded services for non-AC passengers without compromising on affordability.

Surging Demand in Unreserved Classes
Passenger traffic in general and unreserved classes has seen a consistent surge, rising from 553 crore in FY 2022-23 to an anticipated 651 crore in FY 2024-25, according to internal figures released by Indian Railways. To cater to this growing demand, the Railways has also announced plans to manufacture 100 additional Amrit Bharat trains, each consisting of:
• 11 General Class coaches
• 8 Sleeper Class coaches
• 1 Pantry Car
• 2 Guard Vans, equipped with provisions for differently-abled passengers

A Step Toward Equitable Mobility
“This expansion reinforces our commitment to providing affordable and comfortable travel options for every Indian,” an official from the Railway Board told The Indian Express. “We are investing in quantity and quality, ensuring better seating, hygiene, and accessibility across the board.”

Experts view this initiative as a reaffirmation of Indian Railways’ role in bridging the socio-economic divide by offering equitable mobility to rural and urban populations. As India modernizes its transportation infrastructure, the parallel investment in non-AC services ensures no one is left behind.

India’s Rail Ambitions
With over 68,000 kilometers of track and one of the world’s largest passenger rail systems, India continues to balance its investments between high-speed corridors and traditional, high-volume routes. This dual approach, introducing Vande Bharat trains on one end and expanding non-AC services on the other, reflects a strategy to serve all economic segments.

The new coach manufacturing plan is expected to be executed through production units like the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) and Modern Coach Factory (MCF), under the Ministry’s guidance. Implementation will also include upgrades in train composition, station infrastructure, and accessibility features.