How many trains were retired by Indian Railways recently?

Between 2020 and 2024, over 37,000 coaches and wagons, plus 1,000 engines, were retired.

What happens to train materials after they are scrapped?

Scrapped train materials, including metals and components, are sorted for reuse and recycling.

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Old Trains Get New Life, Generate Crores for Railways

Q: How does Indian Railways utilize old passenger coaches?

Old passenger coaches are transformed into New Modified Goods (NMG) coaches for transporting vehicles.

27 Apr

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Summary

Old coaches are transformed into goods carriers for additional service.
Over 37,000 coaches and 1,000 engines were retired between 2020-2024.
Scrapped train materials, including metals, are sorted for reuse and recycling.

Old Trains Get New Life, Generate Crores for Railways

Indian Railways has implemented a unique strategy to generate substantial income by managing its ageing fleet.

Trains reaching their operational limit, typically after 25-35 years of service, are not immediately scrapped. Instead, older passenger coaches are ingeniously transformed into New Modified Goods (NMG) coaches. These converted coaches, reinforced with metal, are then utilized for transporting vehicles like cars and tractors, serving for an additional 5 to 10 years.