New Delhi [India], July 4 (ANI): To ease the life of passengers, Indian Railways has planned for the production of about 10,000 non-air conditioned coaches for the next two years.
According to officials, during FY 2024-25 and 2025-26, around 10,000 coaches are being finalized with a record number of over 5,300 general coaches.
In FY 2024-25, Railways plan to manufacture 2,605 general coaches including Amrit Bharat General coaches, 1,470 non-AC sleepers including Amrit Bharat sleeper coaches, 323 SLR coaches including Amrit Bharat SLR Coaches, 32 High Capacity Parcel Van and 55 pantry cars.
In FY 2025-26, Railways plan to manufacture 2,710 general coaches including Amrit Bharat General coaches, 1910 Non AC Sleeper including Amrit Bharat Sleeper coaches, 514 SLR Coaches including Amrit Bharat SLR coaches, 200 High Capacity Parcel Van and 110 Pantry cars.
The demand for rail service is dynamic and decreases and increases depending upon seasonal variations, growth of passenger traffic, etc.
The requirement of the coaches is based on these factors and gets included in the annual Coach Production Programme. The production of coaches is normally commensurate with the requirement.
Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, conducted a surprise inspection of the Railway Board canteen on Thursday.
The visit, which coincided with the lunch hour, saw the Minister reviewing facilities and services at the canteen. The Secretary of the Railway Board and other senior officials of the Railway Board were also present during the inspection.
MoS Bittu interacted with the canteen manager and staff, inquiring about the operations and services. He visited various areas in the canteen, including the cash counter where employee meal coupons are issued, the kitchen area where food is prepared, and the juice counter.
He also took the opportunity to engage with Railway Board staff during their lunch break, personally enquiring about the food quality.
During the interaction, Railway Board staff expressed satisfaction with the canteen services. However, emphasising the importance of hygiene and best-quality food, the Minister directed the canteen manager to maintain these high standards. (ANI)