Indian Railways To Roll Out 10,000 Coaches By 2026 To Meet Passenger Demand

Indian Railways is gearing up to introduce approximately 10,000 non-air-conditioned coaches across the current financial year and 2025-26, according to railway officials.

This decision came in response to widespread concerns over overcrowding in the sleeper and general class coaches.

The rollout aims to cater primarily to the needs of general passengers, with 53 per cent of these coaches designated as general coaches.

Officials highlighted that the annual coach production programme is meticulously planned to align with the country's fluctuating demand for rail services, which fluctuates due to seasonal variations and increases in passenger traffic.

As per a report in The Hindu, in the ongoing fiscal year, the production schedule includes manufacturing 4,485 coaches. This includes 2,605 general coaches, incorporating the Amrit Bharat general coaches, 1,470 non-AC sleeper coaches featuring Amrit Bharat sleeper variants, 323 seating-cum-luggage rake (SLR) coaches, and 55 pantry cars alongside 32 high-capacity parcel vans.

Highlighting the railway's enhanced production capabilities, officials noted a significant increase from 555 LHB coaches in the fiscal year 2014-15 to a targeted 7,151 coaches in 2023-24.