How many passengers travelled in general coaches in last 5 financial years? Indian Railways data reveals

Indian Express

29-07-2025

Indian Railways Passenger Traffic Data: Indian Railways (IR) plays a crucial role in the economic development of the country. In recent years, Railways have significantly increased the facilities for passengers demanding travelling on general and non-AC coaches.
According to a report, the percentage of non-AC coaches has increased to about 70%. Out of the total 82,200 coaches, 57,200 are non-AC, while the remaining 25,000 are AC coaches.
During the last financial year 2024-25 alone, 1250 general coaches have been augmented in various long-distance trains. But have you ever wondered how many passengers actually travel in general coaches despite this huge demand? The latest numbers might just surprise you.
During the ongoing Monsoon Session, Lok Sabha MPs S Jothimani and Sachithanantham R asked Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to provide details on the number of passengers who travelled in unreserved coaches over the last five financial years, ending on March 31, 2025.
Responding to this, Vaishnaw said that 2187 crore passengers have travelled by general or unreserved coaches in the last five financial years (i.e. FY 2020-21 to FY 2024-25).
(Source: As per written reply submitted by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on July 23, 2025 in Lok Sabha)
The Union Minister also stated that to cater to the needs of passengers desirous of availing unreserved accommodation, 'Indian Railways (IR) operate unreserved non-AC passenger trains/ MEMU / EMU etc. for affordable travel, which are in addition to the unreserved accommodation (coaches) available in Mail/Express services.'
The newly introduced Amrit Bharat Express train, a fully non-AC modern train, comprise 8 Sleeper Class coaches and 11 General Class coaches.
Indian Railways is executing a special manufacturing programme for 17,000 non-AC general/sleeper coaches over the next five years.
Anish Mondal is a business journalist with over nine years of experience. He writes on diverse subjects such as Infrastructure, Railways, Roadways, Aviation, Politics, Market, Parliamentary affairs, Corporate earnings, General and International news etc. ... Read More