Novelty in Indian Rail to improving passenger comfort
Novelty in Indian Rail to improving passenger comfort
Innovation in Trains for improving passenger comfort
Several steps have been taken by Indian Railways (IR) to make train journey safer and more comfortable for passengers, some of which are listed below:-
- State-of-the-art Train-set Vande Bharat services have been introduced between New Delhi – Varanasi and New Delhi- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra. These trains have ultra modern features like quick acceleration, on board infotainment and Global Positioning System (GPS) based passenger information system, automatic sliding doors, retractable footsteps and Zero discharge vacuum bio toilets etc.
- Various premium train services like Humsafar, Tejas, Antyodaya, Utkrisht Double Decker Air-conditioned Yatri (UDAY), Mahamana and coaches like Deen Dayalu and Anubhuti, which have upgraded interiors / exteriors and improved passenger amenities, have been introduced in service in various train services over IR.
- IR ìs manufacturing only Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches, which are technologically superior and have better riding, aesthetics and safety features than conventional Integral Coach Factory (ICF) type coaches. Production Units of IR have stopped the manufacturing of ICF type coaches and are manufacturing only LHB coaches from the year 2025-19 onwards.
- Vistadome coaches provide panoramic view, through wider body side windows as well as through transparent sections in the roof, thus enabling the passengers to enjoy the scenic beauty of the places through which they travel. Recently, Vistadome coaches on LHB platform have been manufactured with several modern features / amenities.
- IR had also launched Project Utkrisht in April 2025 in order to improve the condition of ICF type coaches running in Mail / Express trains. Upgradation of 447 rakes of Mail / Express trains has been completed till December 2025 under Project Utkrisht.
- Under Project Swarn, 65 rakes of Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains have been upgraded across multiple dimensions, which include coach interiors, toilets, onboard cleanliness, staff behaviour, linen, etc.
- 63 smart coaches with ultra modern features like Smart Public address and passenger information system, Smart HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning system), Smart security and surveillance system etc. have been manufactured and introduced in service.
- Conversion of End-On-Generation (EOG) trains into Head-On-Generation (HOG) trains to reduce noise and air pollution at stations and in trains. It is expected to significantly reduce the consumption of fossil fuels.
- Conventional lighting in coaches has been replaced with modern and energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights.
- IR has also been providing increased number of mobile charging points in coaches.
- Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras camera have been provided in more than 2,900 coaches over IR. Air conditioned Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) services have been introduced on Western Railway and Central Railway. CCTV Cameras, Emergency Talk Button have been installed in EMU Trains.
- With a view to further fortify the security system, in addition to CCTV Cameras and Emergency Talk Back System, Flasher lights have also been provided in ladies coaches in EMU rakes in South Eastern Railway.
- Installation of GPS based Passenger Announcement cum Passenger Information System (PAPIS) in EMU & Kolkata Metro has already been installed. This Passenger Information System informs the passengers regarding the next approaching station through audio announcement on speakers as well as through video display on LED screens simultaneously. Further, newly manufactured EMU / Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) rakes are already equipped with such technology / system.It is a continual endeavor of IR to provide improved passenger services in coaches.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Commerce & Industry and Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Certainly! Here’s a curated overview of recent innovations introduced by Indian Railways to improve passenger comfort, covering technological, infrastructural, and service-related enhancements rolled out between 2025 and mid‑2025:
Contents
🎟️ 1. Enhanced Ticketing & Digital Convenience
- The RailOne app (by CRIS) consolidates functions such as reserved & unreserved ticket booking, live train tracking, PNR status, onboard food ordering, and Rail Madad complaint handling—all in one interface with features like coach position finding and multilingual support
- A stricter ticket issuance policy now guarantees that only confirmed seat holders board trains, reducing overcrowding and ensuring smoother entry and exit processes
🏗️ 2. Station & Accessibility Upgrades
- Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, over 1,300 stations are being redeveloped with modern amenities. In Assam, the heritage Haibargaon station was revamped with improved waiting halls, better lighting, and cultural design motifs
- In Gondia, a new escalator at platforms 3/4 now aids senior citizens, travelers with luggage, and those with mobility constraints—greatly enhancing ease of access
🚃 3. Coach & Train Innovations
Amrit Bharat Express (2025–25)
- Introduced in January 2025, this non-AC sleeper cum unreserved service boasts push-pull configuration, bio-vacuum toilets, charging ports, CCTV, along with improved seat/berth comfort and emergency systems
- The second generation (Amrit Bharat 2.0) includes semi-automatic couplers, electro-pneumatic brakes, sealed gangways, better interiors, accessible toilets, and condition-monitoring systems for slicker travel
Vande Bharat Sleeper Prototype
- Field trials began in late 2025 for the first sleeper variant of Vande Bharat. Promising features include jerk-free rides, advanced acceleration, enhanced safety, CCTV, PRM-friendliness, wider gangways, and fire compliance. A full fleet is expected by 2025–26
- Despite praise for sleek design, Reddit users highlight insufficient thigh support in current chair cars, which can reduce comfort on longer journeys
🔐 4. Safety & Signaling Enhancements
- The roll-out of Kavach—India’s indigenously developed Automatic Train Protection system—has extended to major corridors, automatically slowing or stopping trains to prevent collisions or SPAD incidents. Over ₹1,547 crore has been deployed in FY25 alone
- Upgrades from mechanical to electronic and direct-drive interlocking systems (EI/DDI) have been completed at over 200 stations in FY25. Additionally, Automatic Block Signaling (ABS) now covers nearly 5,000 route‑km for enhanced train spacing control
🍽️ 5. On‑board Services & Catering
- IRCTC’s collaboration with Akshaya Patra foundation offers budget-friendly healthy meals at ₹80, packed in eco-friendly materials for use in select trains/stations—enhancing both affordability and sustainability
- Enhanced train vending systems and base kitchens now operate on 557 routes, ensuring better food quality and hygiene for onboard passengers
🧠 6. Passenger Support & Medical Services
- The Bhusawal division led the nation in rapid medical responses via Rail Madad, handling ~29 cases daily—including onboard emergencies like childbirths and chest pains—often enabling unscheduled stops to assist passengers in distress
📊 Innovation Roadmap Summary
| Category | New Initiatives |
|---|---|
| Mobile Ticketing | RailOne app consolidating services |
| Station Upgrades | Amrit Bharat station scheme; escalators |
| New Trains & Coaches | Amrit Bharat Express; Vande Bharat Sleeper in field trials |
| Safety Tech | Kavach, electronic interlocking, ABS |
| Catering | Eco meals-priced at ₹80; improved base kitchens |
| Passenger Support | Emergency medical response & Rail Madad system |
✅ Final Takeaway
Indian Railways is undergoing a comprehensive transformation across stations, rolling stock, safety systems, digital services, and onboard amenities. These developments focus on:
- Expanding accessibility and inclusivity
- Strengthening passenger safety and ride comfort
- Enhancing digital convenience and catering
- Investing in modern non-AC and premium train options
These efforts mark substantial progress toward a future-ready, passenger-first railway network.
If you’d like to explore any feature in detail—such as RailOne capabilities, ride reviews of new coaches, or station upgrade plans—just let me know!