If you are planning to travel by train this festive season, you might have heard some rumours that the railways have reduced the number of general and sleeper coaches in trains, making it harder for passengers to get a berth. However, these claims are completely false, according to railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The minister clarified on Thursday that there has been no change in the standard composition of coaches in a train since the introduction of new LHB (Linke Hofmann Busch) coaches. He said that all trains have 22 coaches with the same configuration, which includes six to seven sleeper coaches, four general coaches, one or no AC 1st Class, one or two pantry cars, two 2AC coaches, six 3AC coaches and one power car or a guard coach.
He also said that the reports of passengers facing problems due to the reduction of sleeper coaches are false. He said that 95.3% of the 390.2 crore people who travelled on trains between April and October 2023 were in general and sleeper classes, while only 4.7% of passengers travelled in air-conditioned coaches.
The minister further claimed that the railways have increased the number of additional train trips this festive season from 2,614 last year to 6,754 additional trips this year, which is nearly a threefold increase.
He revealed that 2,423 trips have already been operated from October 1 and 36 lakh passengers have travelled in the current festive season, which is more than double as compared to last season.
The minister explained that the number of additional train trips is decided based on a study conducted every year before the peak travel season starts. He said that the reservations and waiting list trends are monitored three months before the season begins and the additional train trips are planned accordingly.
The minister also said that the railways have started a drive to ensure that people do not carry inflammable articles on trains and have caught firecrackers during checking at New Delhi, Anand Vihar, Jabalpur and Vijayawada stations. He also appealed to the passengers to cooperate with the railways and follow the safety rules.
