New Delhi : Indian Railways continues to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most affordable and expansive public transport networks, carrying over 720 crore passengers annually while expanding infrastructure, services and capacity across the country.
In a reply to questions in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted major achievements in passenger services and infrastructure growth.
Massive Infrastructure Push Since 2014
Over the last 11 years (2014–2025), significant infrastructure expansion has been undertaken across transport sectors:
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58,232 km of National Highways/Expressways added
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35,000 km of new railway tracks laid
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90 new operational airports added
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848 km of Metro network expanded across 21 additional cities
This expansion has contributed to a shift in modal distribution and improved connectivity nationwide.
Focus on Affordable Non-AC Travel
Indian Railways has placed strong emphasis on catering to low- and middle-income passengers. Currently, around 57,200 non-AC coaches—about 70% of total coaches—are in operation, compared to approximately 25,000 AC coaches.
In terms of seating capacity:
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54 lakh non-AC seats (78%)
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15 lakh AC seats (22%)
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Total: 69 lakh seats
To further enhance capacity, Railways plans to manufacture 17,000 non-AC (general/sleeper) coaches over the next five years.
In 2024–25 alone, 1,250 general coaches were utilised in long-distance trains. In the current financial year (up to December 2025), 767 coaches have been permanently added.
Passenger numbers in general/unreserved coaches have steadily risen:
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553 crore (2022–23)
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609 crore (2023–24)
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651 crore (2024–25)
Railways also follows a standard composition in Mail/Express trains, providing 12 general and sleeper non-AC coaches out of 22 coaches, ensuring greater accommodation for budget travellers.
Expansion of Train Services
During 2025–26 (till December 2025):
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245 new train services introduced
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101 services extended
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Frequency of 8 services increased
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Approximately 65,000 special trains operated
Special trains were run during peak seasons and festivals such as Holi, Durga Puja, Diwali, Chhath, Christmas and others to manage additional demand.
Modern Trainsets Introduced
Indian Railways has introduced several new-generation train services:
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164 Vande Bharat Chair Car services
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2 Vande Bharat Sleeper services
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54 Amrit Bharat Express services (fully non-AC)
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4 Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services
Vande Bharat trains are witnessing near 100% occupancy on major routes, reflecting changing passenger preferences.
Among the Lowest Fares Globally
Indian Railways maintains one of the lowest passenger fare structures globally. Ordinary class fares average approximately ₹0.20 per passenger km, significantly lower than:
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Pakistan (~₹0.54)
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Bangladesh (~₹0.37)
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Sri Lanka (~₹0.50)
Similarly, Vande Bharat fares (~₹2.19 per PKM) are:
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3 times cheaper than China
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9 times cheaper than Japan
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6 times cheaper than France
There is no plan to introduce dynamic fares in Vande Bharat services.
Passenger Subsidy and Rationalisation
In 2023–24, Indian Railways provided a subsidy of ₹60,466 crore, amounting to an average concession of 45% per passenger.
Two calibrated fare rationalisations were implemented in FY 2025–26 after a five-year gap, with marginal increases ranging from half paisa to two paise per km. There has been no fare hike for suburban services and season tickets in the last 10 years.
Railways continues to evaluate fare structures balancing affordability, service cost and socio-economic factors.
With sustained investment in infrastructure, affordable fares and expanded capacity, Indian Railways remains a critical pillar of India’s mobility and economic growth story.
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