78% Train Seats in India Are Non-AC to Ensure Affordable Travel for Poor, Says Railway Minister Vaishnaw

New Delhi, August 6: Indian Railways has significantly expanded travel facilities to benefit economically weaker sections by ensuring that 78 per cent of available seats are in non-air-conditioned (non-AC) coaches. Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament on Wednesday that of the total 69 lakh seats available daily, 54 lakh are in non-AC coaches, while air-conditioned (AC) seats make up the remaining 22 per cent.

Responding to a question in the Lok Sabha, Vaishnaw said that the higher availability of general coaches has led to a steady rise in passengers opting for unreserved travel. The number of passengers travelling in general unreserved coaches increased from 553 crore in 2022-23 to 609 crore in 2023-24, and further to 651 crore in 2024-25.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to affordable travel, Vaishnaw said that 1,250 general coaches were deployed in various long-distance trains during 2024-25 alone. Furthermore, Indian Railways plans to produce an additional 17,000 non-AC coaches, including general and sleeper classes, over the next five years to cater to the growing demand from low and middle-income families.

Currently, non-AC coaches constitute 70 per cent of Indian Railways’ entire fleet. Vaishnaw also spoke about the introduction of the Amrit Bharat Express, a fully non-AC modern train aimed at providing affordable yet comfortable travel options. So far, 14 Amrit Bharat Express services are operational.

Each Amrit Bharat Express train consists of 11 general class coaches, 8 sleeper class coaches, 1 pantry car, and 2 luggage-cum-Divyangjan (disabled-friendly) coaches. These trains are designed with enhanced safety and comfort features, including CCTV surveillance in all coaches and luggage rooms, modernised toilet facilities, ergonomic ladders for easier access to upper berths, and upgraded LED lighting and charging sockets.

In addition to Mail and Express services, Indian Railways continues to operate unreserved non-AC passenger trains, including MEMUs (Mainline Electric Multiple Units) and EMUs (Electric Multiple Units), to meet the demands of passengers seeking affordable travel options.

Under the existing policy for the composition of Mail and Express trains, a typical 22-coach train is mandated to have 12 non-AC coaches (general and sleeper classes) and eight AC coaches. This ensures substantial capacity for passengers who prefer or rely on non-AC travel.

Vaishnaw also emphasised Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to enhance cleanliness and sanitation across trains and stations. All passenger coaches have been fitted with bio-toilets to prevent the discharge of human waste onto tracks, significantly improving hygiene standards at stations and along rail lines.

Mechanised cleaning at major railway stations, on-board housekeeping services in designated trains, and continuous efforts to maintain cleanliness during train journeys are some of the key initiatives undertaken to ensure a pleasant travel experience, the minister added.