10,000 New General and Sleeper Coaches Planned Over Two Years
Indian Railways announces major initiative to enhance affordable travel options, including upgrades for Amrit Bharat trains.
JAMSHEDPUR – Indian Railways has unveiled an ambitious plan to manufacture 10,000 general and sleeper coaches over the next two years, addressing the growing demand for non-air-conditioned travel options.
A senior railway official stated, "This initiative aims to significantly improve facilities for passengers preferring economical travel."
The Railway Board’s approved plan includes producing 2,605 general coaches and 1,470 sleeper coaches in the 2024-25 fiscal year.
"We’re also focusing on specialized coaches, including 323 SLRs for guards and disabled passengers, and 55 pantry cars," the official added.
This move comes in response to concerns raised by the Passenger Facilitation Committee about the reduction of general and sleeper coaches on long-distance routes.
Railways has already ordered an increase in these coach types for 11 pairs of long-distance trains, to be implemented by December.
The Amrit Bharat Train initiative will see the construction of 1,230 LHB coaches, enhancing services on routes from Howrah to Mumbai via Tatanagar.
"This project specifically targets improving affordable travel options for low-income passengers," explained a railway spokesperson.
Complementing these efforts, the Chakradharpur Railway Division will replace 25,500 sleepers and upgrade signal systems between Ghatshila and Chandil.
Local commuter Priya Sharma expressed her approval: "More non-AC coaches mean affordable travel for many of us who rely on trains daily."
