In a significant shift towards enhancing accessibility for the general public, India’s Railways Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced that the Indian Railways would focus on increasing the number of general compartment coaches rather than expanding the availability of air-conditioned (AC) coaches. This strategic move is part of a broader effort to make train travel more affordable for the common man, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Focus on General Coaches for the Public
Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the Indian government is committed to improving the rail travel experience for the masses, with a particular emphasis on the poor. According to the Minister, the Modi government’s priority is to enhance the availability of general coaches, which are more accessible to a larger section of the population. In his statement during the Lok Sabha proceedings, Vaishnaw emphasized, “Focus is towards general coaches. The focus is not on increasing AC1, AC2, or AC3 compartments.”
By the end of December 2024, the Indian Railways aims to add 1,000 general coaches to its fleet. This initiative is seen as a step toward addressing the growing demand for affordable travel options across the country. Furthermore, the government plans to produce a total of 10,000 general coaches to cater to the increasing passenger volume.
Why the Shift Towards General Coaches?
The decision to prioritize general coaches over air-conditioned (AC) coaches is driven by the government’s focus on inclusivity and ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their socio-economic status, have access to affordable and reliable transportation. General coaches are considered more inclusive, as they cater to the vast majority of the population who cannot afford the premium services offered by AC compartments.
Additionally, general coaches are often seen as the backbone of the Indian railway system, accommodating a large number of passengers at a relatively lower cost. With the rapid increase in population and migration within India, the demand for general compartment coaches has surged in recent years.
Major Infrastructure Revamp: Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
Alongside this initiative, Ashwini Vaishnaw also shared updates on the extensive infrastructure revamp underway across the Indian Railways network. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, the government is working on the redevelopment of 1,300 railway stations across India. This ambitious plan is one of the largest such projects in the world, designed to modernize and enhance the facilities at Indian railway stations, ensuring they meet the growing demands of passengers.
The redevelopment of these stations is expected to cost between Rs 700-800 crore for the larger stations, while smaller stations will undergo a revamp at a cost of Rs 100-200 crore. The aim of this massive project is not just to upgrade the stations but also to improve the overall experience of passengers, with modern amenities, better connectivity, and more efficient station layouts.
Enhancing Railway Infrastructure for the Future
The redevelopment project under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is poised to transform the way passengers experience Indian Railways. With the completion of the project, many stations will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring passengers have a more comfortable and convenient experience. The project will also streamline operations, making it easier for people to access trains and amenities at the stations.
Moreover, Vaishnaw stated that the government is working closely with state governments to acquire land for the development of these projects. This coordination is essential to ensure the timely completion of infrastructure upgrades and new railway projects.
Benefits for Passengers and the Economy
The combination of adding general coaches and upgrading railway stations will have significant benefits for passengers and the economy. More general coaches will allow for better utilization of available resources, enabling more people to travel across the country at affordable prices. Furthermore, the expansion of rail travel options is expected to ease congestion on trains and improve the overall passenger experience.
In addition to passenger benefits, the increased focus on infrastructure development is expected to boost the local economy. The redevelopment of railway stations and the production of new coaches will generate thousands of jobs in the construction and manufacturing sectors. This, in turn, will contribute to economic growth and job creation in various regions across India.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Modernization and Accessibility
In conclusion, Ashwini Vaishnaw’s announcement marks an important step toward making Indian Railways more accessible and affordable for the masses. By prioritizing the addition of general coaches and investing in station redevelopment, the government is addressing the needs of the common people while ensuring the modernization of India’s railway infrastructure. As these projects take shape, the railways will play a pivotal role in improving transportation across the country, making it more inclusive and efficient for future generations.
Refer:
Business-Standard, Link to article
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