Indian Railways is working on a master plan to make travel easier for common passengers. The focus is on increasing the number of general coaches and introducing more affordable train services. The ministry is also investing heavily in upgrading stations and laying new tracks across the country.
What are the updates for common passengers
The railway has produced a record 4,838 general and non-AC coaches in the last year to provide cheaper travel options. For the financial year 2025-26, another 4,838 LHB GS coaches are planned, followed by 4,802 coaches in 2026-27. Amrit Bharat Express trains are being expanded to offer high-quality non-AC travel at a low cost of around 500 rupees per 1,000 kilometers.
When will Vande Bharat Sleeper trains start
Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that trials for the Vande Bharat Sleeper class will begin in the next two months. A 24-coach prototype with 1,224 berths is expected by December 2026. These trains will have a design speed of 180 kmph and will include modern facilities for long-distance travel.
How is the railway infrastructure changing
| Project | Details |
|---|---|
| Infrastructure Investment | 16.7 lakh crore rupees by 2031 |
| New Tracks | 50,000 km of new tracks in next decade |
| Station Redevelopment | 1,200 stations with 1.2 lakh crore budget |
| Amrit Bharat Stations | 119 stations redeveloped by March 2026 |
| Rani Kamlapati Station | Signal system upgrade costing 4.49 crore |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the Vande Bharat Sleeper train be available?
Trials for the sleeper version will start in the next two months, and the first prototype is expected by December 2026.
What is the cost and capacity of Amrit Bharat trains?
Amrit Bharat trains are non-AC services providing affordable travel at about 500 rupees per 1,000 km with 11 general and 8 sleeper coaches.