Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday made it clear that a typical 22-coach mail or express train comprises 12 non-AC coaches designated for general and sleeper class passengers, while the remaining eight coaches are air-conditioned.
Vaishnaw's remarks, delivered in the Rajya Sabha came in response to questions from IUML MP Haris Beeran.
The Union Minister stressed on the government’s commitment to maintaining a significant number of non-AC coaches amid rising passenger demand.
He pointed out that two-thirds of the total coaches currently in operation are non-AC, reinforcing the Railways' focus on affordable travel options.
The minister acknowledged that passenger traffic has fluctuated significantly from 2019 to 2024, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Indian Railways (IR) operates various types of regular time-tabled trains, including suburban, short-distance, and long-distance services," he explained, noting that these trains cater to diverse passenger segments.
Vaishnaw spotlighted that the current policy ensures greater accommodation for passengers utilizing general and non-AC sleeper coaches.
Furthermore, the introduction of Amrit Bharat services, which offer high-quality non-AC train options, aims to enhance travel experiences for budget-conscious passengers.
To mitigate overcrowding, the Railways is actively taking steps to increase capacity during peak travel times.
"We operate special train services during festivals and holidays, along with augmenting train loads, both permanently and temporarily, to accommodate additional demand," he stated, highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance passenger convenience.
Looking ahead, the Railways plans to manufacture 10,000 new non-AC coaches, including general class and sleeper class options, in response to the rising demand for affordable travel.
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