Indian Railways plans to manufacture 10,000 general and sleeper coaches in the next two years to improve passenger amenities. This includes constructing coaches for the differently-abled, parcel vans, SLR coaches, and pantry cars. The decision was made by the Railway Board to cater to the needs of low-income passengers. The plan...
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includes building 2605 general coaches and 1470 sleeper coaches in the financial year 2024-25, along with 323 SLR coaches (for guards and the differently-abled) and 55 pantry cars. The target for the fiscal year 2025-26 is 2710 general coaches, 1910 sleeper coaches, 514 SLR coaches, and 110 pantry cars. Additionally, 232 parcel vans will be built across both financial years. The focus on improving amenities in non-AC classes comes after the Railway Board addressed concerns raised by the Passenger Amenities Committee regarding the shortage of general and sleeper coaches, which made it difficult for passengers to secure confirmed tickets. As a result, the South Eastern Railway zone has been directed to increase the number of general and sleeper coaches in 11 long-distance train pairs, effective from October to December. Meanwhile, the Indian Railways is also building 1230 LHB coaches for the Amrit Bharat Express, which will operate on routes including Howrah to Tatanagar and Mumbai. Three companies have been entrusted with the task of building these coaches by March 2025. The Railway aims to operate 50 Amrit Bharat Express trains, equipped with CCTV cameras and fire extinguishers in every coach. Additionally, the Indian Railways is building 3200 coaches for Vande Bharat Express trains by March 2027 and 300 economy class coaches.