Prime Minister Narendra Modi prioritises the improvement of services for general coach passengers, with Indian Railways set to add 1,000 new general coaches by the end of December. Announced by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Lok Sabha, the initiative reflects a focus on affordable travel rather than on AC coaches. Additionally, the ministry plans to build 10,000 more general coaches in the coming years to cater to rising passenger demands.
Indian Railways is also undertaking the world’s largest station redevelopment project under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. A total of 1,300 stations are being rebuilt, with redevelopment costs ranging from INR 100–800 crore depending on the station’s scale. This ambitious project aims to modernise infrastructure and elevate the travel experience for millions of passengers.
During the Question Hour, Vaishnaw urged MPs from Kerala and Tamil Nadu to coordinate with state governments for land acquisition, crucial for completing planned railway projects. The minister emphasised the importance of such partnerships to meet the expectations of the public.
Once completed, these initiatives will enhance the convenience and affordability of rail travel while modernising stations across India. The comprehensive focus on general coaches and infrastructure development reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive and accessible public transportation.