Assertive about the train facilities, India’s Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that, Indian Railways to increase the number of general coach compartment and not merely raising the AC coaches. For the planned strategy considered part of the other bigger plan is to make travelling via the train inexpensive by train for common man, economically not-so-well-off mass.
Focus on General Coaches for the Public
The Indian government wants rail travel to become easier and comfortable for the masses, mainly the poor. As told by the Minister, the Modi government wants more general coaches in a view that general coaches will reach to more population groups than others. Emphasizing during Lok Sabha proceedings, Vaishnaw said, “Focus is towards general coaches. Focus is not on increasing AC1, AC2, or AC3 compartments.”
The Indian Railways has planned to increase its general coaches by 1,000 by the end of December 2024. It is considered to be a move toward fulfilling the growing demand for cheap travel in the country. The government has also planned to manufacture 10,000 general coaches to meet the increasing passenger load.
Why General Coaches?
This transportation service must be made as broad as possible in which every citizen, irrespective of his or her socio-economic background, can afford it regularly. General coaches seem to be more inclusive because these are being utilized by most of the people who cannot afford premium services that AC compartments are providing.
Also, general coaches form the backbones of the Indian railway system by carrying a vast number of passengers at a relatively lower cost. The population rise and migration within India have increased the demand for general compartment coaches over the past years.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: Major Infrastructure Revamp
In addition to this, Ashwini Vaishnaw further shared that a giant infrastructure overhaul is being undertaken in the entire Indian Railways network. The government has currently undertaken the restoration of 1,300 railway stations in India under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. This is the biggest project around the world and aims at updating the railway stations’ facilities across India and accommodating the increasing number of passengers.
It would be between Rs 700-800 crores for bigger stations and some Rs 100-200 crore for renovation work at minor stations. It shall not only want to renovate the stations, but it’ll also provide far better passenger experience with all kind of modern facilitation, relatively more comfortable connectivity, and that the station was built keeping one of the vital factors as ‘efficiency’ as one of its paramount.
Reconstruction of railways to be the future-oriented
The redevelopment project under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme will transform the face of experience of passengers related to Indian Railways. By its completion, several stations would be provided with all modern amenities for passengers for easy and comfortable usage. Simultaneously, operational streamlining will likely enhance the ease of access of people in trains and all other facilities at the stations.
According to Vaishnaw, the government will also collaborate with state governments in acquiring land for its projects. These will enable the timely upgrade and completion of infrastructure while at the same time facilitating new railway project construction.
Benefits to the Passenger Economy
Adding general coaches alongside upgradations at railway stations would provide far better benefits for the passengers and economy alike. Generally, more number of people can be carried on in general coaches by taking full possible resources that ensured many persons travelled throughout the country at least at minimal rates. Besides this, the extent of range while travelling through railways will also lighten up the train’s pressure and mainly help passengers for smoother travelling.
Apart from passengers, the economic development of this area is supposed to be stimulated through improved infrastructure. Rebuilding the railway stations and manufacturing new coaches will create huge employment opportunities in construction and manufacturing areas. That will, accordingly, contribute towards economic growth besides jobs in the different Indian regions.
Conclusion: A Step to Modernization and Accessibility
To be frank, in the conclusion of this whole series, it goes without saying that Ashwini Vaishnaw’s declaration is one small step forward towards making Indian Railways accessible to the common public and economical in nature. Investment in station redevelopments will help meet people’s demands but also give them a sense of upgrading India’s rail infrastructure in order to remain current. As these projects develop, the railways will form a significant basis for improving transportation across the country, making it more inclusive and efficient for generations to come.
Refer:
Business-Standard, Link to article
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