Indian Railways has achieved a remarkable milestone in the financial year 2024-25 by manufacturing 7,134 coaches, reflecting a 9% growth from the previous year’s 6,541 coaches. This expansion particularly emphasizes non-air-conditioned coaches, with 4,601 coaches produced to meet the needs of common passengers, as stated by the Ministry of Railways on Friday. The increase in production highlights India’s ongoing efforts to modernize railway infrastructure and meet the growing demand for passenger services.
Record Production Across Manufacturing Units
Indian Railways operates three major coach manufacturing units: Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu; Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala, Punjab; and Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh.
Among these, the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the leading passenger coach production unit, set a new benchmark by producing 3,007 coaches in 2024-25, surpassing its previous records. The production statistics for all three units are as follows:
Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, produced 3,007 coaches in 2024-25, an increase of 178 from 2,829 in 2023-24. Rail Coach Factory (RCF) in Kapurthala, Punjab, manufactured 2,102 coaches in 2024-25, an increase of 201 from 1,901 in 2023-24. Modern Coach Factory (MCF) in Rae Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, produced 2,025 coaches in 2024-25, an increase of 341 from 1,684 in 2023-24.
Growth in Domestic Manufacturing
India’s coach production has expanded significantly over the years. Between 2004 and 2014, Indian Railways manufactured an average of fewer than 3,300 coaches per year. However, between 2014 and 2024, production surged to a total of 54,809 coaches, averaging 5,481 coaches per year. This growth aligns with India’s push for enhanced connectivity, self-reliance in railway manufacturing, and advanced technology adoption in railway design.
Enhancing Passenger Experience and Connectivity
The record-breaking production supports the government’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ vision, improving public transport services and boosting domestic manufacturing. More coaches mean better passenger facilities, enhanced safety features, and increased capacity to accommodate rising demand.
This achievement also strengthens the ‘Make in India’ initiative, reinforcing India’s position as a global player in railway manufacturing. By focusing on modern, energy-efficient, and passenger-friendly coaches, Indian Railways is making strides toward a more robust and future-ready transport network.
Shaping the Future of Indian Railways
With continued efforts in railway electrification, high-speed corridors, and passenger service upgrades, the increased coach production will play a vital role in shaping the future of Indian Railways. This initiative ensures greater efficiency, comfort, and accessibility, marking another step towards a technologically advanced and self-sufficient railway system.
