New Delhi: The Indian Railways has achieved a significant milestone in FY25 by manufacturing 7,134 coaches, registering a 9 per cent growth from 6,541 coaches in the previous fiscal (FY24). 

Last fiscal, special focus was placed on non-AC coaches, with 4,601 units manufactured to serve common passengers.

According to the Ministry of Railways, the annual average coach production rose from 3,300 in 2004-14 to 5,481 in 2014-24, with a total of 54,809 coaches manufactured in the last decade.

This surge highlights India's commitment to modernising railway infrastructure to meet growing passenger demand.

Indian Railways operates three coach manufacturing facilities: 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.

ICF, the premier passenger coach manufacturer in Chennai, surpassed its previous production records in 2024-25, rolling out 3,007 coaches, the ministry reported.

Coach production in India has expanded substantially over the years. Between 2004 and 2014, Indian Railways manufactured less than 3,300 coaches on an average per year.

“However, from 2014 to 2024, production saw a major boost with production of 54,809 coaches with an average of 5,481 coaches per year, aligning with the push for improved connectivity and self-reliance in Railway manufacturing,” said the ministry.

This growth is part of a broader strategy to enhance domestic production, reduce import dependency, and integrate advanced technology into railway design.

The record-breaking coach production aligns with the government’s ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ vision, ensuring improved public transport services while also enabling domestic manufacturing.

With the introduction of more coaches, passengers can look forward to improved amenities, enhanced safety, and greater capacity to meet rising demand, according to the government.

This achievement also reinforces the ‘Make in India’ initiative, strengthening India's role as a major hub for railway manufacturing.

IANS