Govt debunks claims of fewer general coaches: No reduction across zones, more unreserved coaches added

There has been no reduction in the number of unreserved coaches in trains across zones, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told Parliament on Wednesday, asserting that facilities for general class passengers have been significantly enhanced in recent years.

In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, Vaishnaw said that during 2024-25 alone, 1,250 general coaches were utilised in various long-distance trains.

He said non-AC coaches, including general and sleeper classes, now constitute about 70% of the total coach composition in Indian Railways.

Number of AC and non-AC coaches

According to official data, the total number of coaches in the Railways is around 82,200, of which approximately 57,200 are non-AC coaches and 25,000 are AC coaches.

Vaishnaw also informed the House that the number of passengers travelling in general or unreserved coaches has shown an increasing trend over the last five years, rising from 99 crore in 2020-21 (a Covid-affected year) to 651 crore in 2024-25.

The minister said that seats available for non-AC passengers have increased to around 54 lakh, accounting for 78% of total seats, while AC seats are about 15 lakh, or 22%.

To cater to the needs of unreserved passengers, Railways have introduced fully non-AC modern trains under the Amrit Bharat Express category.

Currently, 14 such services are operational, comprising 8 Sleeper Class coaches and 11 General Class coaches. These trains are equipped with semi-automatic couplers for jerk-free travel, foldable snack tables, mobile holders, and other passenger-friendly features.

Composition of Mail and Express trains

Vaishnaw added that under the extant policy, the composition of Mail and Express trains with 22 coaches includes 12 general and sleeper class non-AC coaches and 8 AC coaches, providing greater accommodation for passengers from low and middle-income groups who depend on railways as an affordable mode of transport.