New Delhi. Indian Railways is rapidly modernising its infrastructure and services with a sharp focus on the needs of common passengers, aiming to make train travel more convenient, comfortable, safe and affordable. Through sustained investment, operational reforms and large-scale technology adoption, the national transporter is strengthening a passenger-first approach that prioritises everyday travellers.
Record Production of Modern General Coaches
To meet rising demand for affordable travel, Indian Railways has achieved record production of General and non-AC coaches equipped with modern, passenger-friendly facilities. These coaches significantly enhance carrying capacity while improving comfort.
For 2025–26, the production plan includes 4,838 new LHB GS and non-AC coaches, while for 2026–27, a target of 4,802 LHB coaches has been set. This sustained production drive will further modernise the passenger fleet and improve service quality.
Massive Special Train Operations During Peak Seasons
To manage festive and seasonal rush in 2025, Indian Railways operated a record 43,000+ special train trips, including:
- 17,340 for Maha Kumbh
- 1,144 for Holi
- 12,417 Summer Specials
- 12,383 for Chhath Puja
These efforts ensured smoother passenger movement and better connectivity during peak demand periods.
Passenger Holding Areas at Major Stations
Seventy-six stations across the country have been identified for the development of passenger holding areas, inspired by the successful Yatri Suvidha Kendra at New Delhi Railway Station, which can accommodate about 7,000 passengers. Equipped with toilets, ticketing counters, ATVMs and free RO drinking water, these facilities will improve crowd management and pre-boarding comfort. The new holding areas are targeted for completion before the 2026 festival season.
Stronger Ticketing Integrity Through Aadhaar Verification
To curb illegal booking and ensure confirmed tickets reach genuine passengers, Indian Railways has strengthened its system with Aadhaar verification and advanced monitoring technology. Only Aadhaar-verified users can now book Tatkal tickets. As a result, 5.73 crore suspicious and inactive IRCTC accounts have been deactivated or temporarily suspended.
Major Push on Passenger Safety
Passenger safety remains a top priority, with 84% of safety funds under the 2025–26 budget already utilised. Consequential train accidents have reduced sharply from 135 in 2014-15 to 11 in 2025-26 (up to November). The safety budget has nearly tripled to ₹1.16 lakh crore, while fog safety devices have increased from 90 in 2014 to 25,939 in 2025.
Amrit Bharat & Namo Bharat Trains Boost Affordable Connectivity
Indian Railways is expanding high-quality non-AC travel with the Amrit Bharat Express—fully non-AC trains offering Sleeper and General Class coaches at affordable fares. In 2025 alone, 13 new Amrit Bharat trains were introduced, taking the total to 30 operational services.
Additionally, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services between Bhuj–Ahmedabad and Jaynagar–Patna are strengthening regional connectivity.
Towards a Modern, Inclusive Rail Network
By increasing affordable capacity, running large-scale special trains, upgrading stations, tightening ticketing integrity and investing heavily in safety, Indian Railways is steadily building a modern, inclusive and passenger-centric transport system that serves millions of everyday travellers.
