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Indian Railways Ushers in a New Era of Passenger-Centric Travel With Record Non-AC Coaches, Safer Trains and Affordable Connectivity
Summary: Indian Railways is redefining everyday train travel in India with record production of non-AC coaches, large-scale special train operations, strict action against ticketing misuse and massive safety investments. With Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat trains, the focus is firmly on affordable, safe and comfortable journeys for common passengers.
Passenger-First Vision Drives Indian Railways’ Transformation
Indian Railways is undergoing one of its most passenger-focused transformations in decades. Moving beyond premium-only upgrades, the national transporter is now prioritising the needs of daily travellers, migrant workers, students and middle-class families who depend on affordable train travel.
Through sustained investment, technology adoption and operational reforms, Indian Railways is building a system that is inclusive, safer and more reliable, while keeping fares within reach for millions.
Historic Production of Modern General and Non-AC Coaches
To tackle overcrowding and rising demand, Indian Railways has achieved record production of General and non-AC coaches, marking a major shift towards affordable capacity creation.
These new coaches come with:
- Improved seating and ventilation
- Better ride quality with LHB design
- Enhanced safety and durability
- Higher passenger carrying capacity
Coach Production Roadmap
Financial Year 2025–26 (Final Quarter Ongoing):
- Total: 4,838 LHB non-AC coaches
- LS Coaches: 2,817
- LSCN Coaches: 2,021
Financial Year 2026–27 Target:
- Total: 4,802 LHB non-AC coaches
- LS Coaches: 2,638
- LSCN Coaches: 2,164
This sustained production ensures that affordable travel remains the backbone of India’s rail network.
Record 43,000+ Special Train Trips to Handle Rush
Managing festive and seasonal rush has long been a challenge for Indian Railways. In 2025, the scale of response reached unprecedented levels, with over 43,000 special train trips operated nationwide.
Special Trains Operated in 2025:
- Maha Kumbh: 17,340 trips
- Chhath Puja: 12,383 trips
- Summer Vacation: 12,417 trips
- Holi: 1,144 trips
These special services significantly reduced congestion, ensured timely travel and provided relief to passengers during peak demand periods.
76 Passenger Holding Areas to Ease Crowd Pressure
To improve crowd management at busy stations, Indian Railways has identified 76 major stations for the development of dedicated passenger holding areas.
Inspired by the Yatri Suvidha Kendra at New Delhi Railway Station, these facilities aim to improve pre-boarding comfort and safety.
Facilities Include:
- Seating for thousands of passengers
- Clean toilets and RO drinking water
- Ticket counters and ATVMs
- Modular design tailored to local conditions
The New Delhi facility alone accommodates around 7,000 passengers and was completed in just four months. All new holding areas are targeted for completion before the 2026 festival season.
Aadhaar-Based Ticketing & Crackdown on Illegal Bookings
To ensure fair access to tickets, Indian Railways has strengthened ticketing integrity through Aadhaar verification and advanced monitoring tools.
Key Measures:
- Aadhaar verification mandatory for Tatkal bookings
- AI-driven monitoring of booking patterns
- 5.73 crore suspicious and inactive IRCTC accounts deactivated or suspended
These steps protect genuine passengers and curb the influence of touts and automated booking misuse.
Safety Push Delivers Historic Improvement
Passenger safety remains the highest priority, with Indian Railways allocating and utilising funds at an unprecedented pace.
Sharp Decline in Train Accidents:
- 135 accidents in 2014–15
- 31 accidents in 2024–25
- Only 11 accidents in 2025–26 (till Nov 2025)
This is a dramatic improvement compared to the 2004–14 average of 171 accidents per year.
Safety Investment Highlights:
- Safety budget increased to ₹1,16,470 crore
- 84% of safety funds already utilised
- Fog safety devices expanded from 90 (2014) to 25,939 (2025)
Amrit Bharat & Namo Bharat Trains Strengthen Affordable Connectivity
Indian Railways is also introducing new train categories focused on quality non-AC travel and regional connectivity.
Amrit Bharat Express:
- Fully non-AC trains
- Sleeper and General Class coaches
- Modern design and smoother rides
- Affordable fares
13 new Amrit Bharat trains were introduced in 2025, taking the total operational services to 30 across the country.
Namo Bharat Rapid Rail:
- Bhuj – Ahmedabad
- Jaynagar – Patna
These services boost high-frequency regional travel and support economic mobility.
Building a Modern Rail Network for the Common Indian
From record coach production and special trains to safer operations, fair ticketing and affordable new services, Indian Railways is steadily creating a passenger-first railway system.
The focus is clear:
- More capacity for common passengers
- Safer journeys
- Better stations
- Affordable, reliable connectivity
This transformation strengthens Indian Railways as the lifeline of the nation, serving everyday travellers with dignity and efficiency.
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