Prime Minister Narendra Modi is prioritising the improvement of services for passengers in general class coaches, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Lok Sabha on Wednesday. As part of this initiative, Indian Railways will add 1,000 general coaches to its network by the end of December.

“Our focus is more on general coaches rather than AC second or AC third class coaches,” Vaishnaw said during the Question Hour. The ministry also plans to build 10,000 additional general coaches over the next few years to meet rising demand and enhance passenger comfort.

Amrit Bharat Station Scheme Redeveloping 1,300 Stations
Indian Railways is undertaking a massive station redevelopment project under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, considered the largest of its kind globally. Vaishnaw stated that 1,300 stations will be rebuilt, with project costs ranging between Rs 100 crore and Rs 800 crore, depending on the station’s size and requirements.

The initiative aims to modernise and enhance the passenger experience across the railway network, fulfilling public expectations with upgraded facilities.

Opposition Raises Concerns Over Privatisation and Concessions
Opposition MPs expressed concerns about the government potentially privatising Indian Railways, cautioning that it could harm the interests of poorer citizens. They also demanded the restoration of ticket concessions for senior citizens, which were withdrawn during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking on the Railways (Amendment) Bill 2024, MPs like Neeraj Maurya (SP) and Manoj Kumar (INC) criticised the government’s approach, urging more deliberation before the Bill’s passage. Railway Minister Vaishnaw countered, stating the Bill would simplify legal frameworks and improve efficiency.

Land Acquisition Challenges Highlighted
Vaishnaw highlighted land acquisition as a major bottleneck in completing railway projects. Responding to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s concerns about the Nemom terminal project in Kerala, Vaishnaw suggested that Tharoor lead efforts to expedite land acquisition. “If required, you can sit on a dharna to ensure the state government acts,” he remarked.

Safety and Budget Improvements Noted
The minister also noted significant progress in railway safety, with accidents declining from 171 during the UPA regime to just 40 in 2023-24. Additionally, the railways’ budget has seen a tenfold increase, from Rs 29,000 crore in 2014 to Rs 2.52 lakh crore in 2024, enabling large-scale modernisation and expansion efforts.

(With agency inputs)