Good News! Indian Railways Plans to Roll Out 10,000 Non-AC Coaches In 2 Years To Meet Growing Demand
In a bid to enhance passenger comfort, Indian Railways has unveiled a bold strategy to manufacture around 10,000 non-air-conditioned coaches within the next two years. This forward-looking initiative is geared towards meeting the increasing demand for rail services and elevating the overall travel experience for commuters. Notably, the production plan for the fiscal years 2024-25 and 2025-26 includes a record-breaking quantity of over 5,300 general coaches. Specifically, in FY 2024-25, the railways plan to manufacture: 2,605 general coaches, including Amrit Bharat General coaches; 1,470 non-AC sleeper coaches, including Amrit Bharat sleeper coaches; 323 SLR coaches, including Amrit Bharat SLR Coaches; 32 High Capacity Parcel Vans; 55 pantry cars.
Of these 10,000 coaches, around 53 per cent will be general coaches to cater to the travel requirements of regular passengers, the report said in Financial Express said, citing officials.
Indian Railways has been on a spree of introducing new trains catering to diverse passenger needs. From the Antyodaya and Deen Dayal to the luxurious Tejas Express and budget-friendly economy AC coaches, the national transporter is committed to ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience for all. Additionally, the focus has shifted towards manufacturing energy-efficient train sets with enhanced acceleration and deceleration capabilities, promising speedier travel for passengers.
New Amrit Bharat Push Pull Trains
In a move to provide faster travel options for budget travellers, Indian Railways unveiled two new Amrit Bharat push pull trains equipped with non-AC coaches. These trains, designed with several passenger-friendly features, offer a speed of up to 130 kmph, thanks to the innovative setup of two locomotives at both ends.
Vande Metro
Following the success of the Vande Bharat Express, Indian Railways is now venturing into manufacturing the Vande Metro for short-distance intercity travel and Vande Bharat sleeper trains for premium long-distance overnight journeys. As part of the 100-day agenda for railways under the Modi 3.0 government, the rollout of the first Vande Metro and Vande Bharat sleeper train prototypes for testing is imminent. The Vande Metro trains are being manufactured by RCF Kapurthala and ICF Chennai, while the Vande Bharat sleeper trains are being produced by BEML.
Indian Railways Future Plans
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has set a target for the Vande Bharat sleeper train to commence trials by August 15, marking a significant milestone in the development of these advanced train sets. With a strong emphasis on innovation, efficiency, and passenger comfort, Indian Railways continues to revolutionize the country’s rail transportation sector, offering a seamless and enjoyable travel experience for passengers across all segments.