TransportationEXPANDApproved
India-wide
Railway Board directed permanent coach increases for mail and express trains
30 Aug 2026
The Railway Board decided to permanently increase the number of coaches on mail and express trains across all zonal railways. Under the directive, trains operating with 20 coaches are to be increased to 24, and trains with 22 coaches are to get two additional coaches; North Central Railway has started preparations to implement this in phases for eligible trains with LHB rakes.
Why it matters
Adding 2–4 coaches per eligible train increases passenger capacity per trip and is intended to reduce waiting lists and overcrowding.
Railway BoardIndian RailwaysNorth Central Railway