A Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended that Indian Railways undertake urgent modernisation and capacity augmentation of its production units to address shortfalls in achieving rolling stock targets.
In its report on the Demands for Grants 2026–27, the panel flagged gaps between annual production targets and actual output, particularly in key categories such as coaches and locomotives. The committee noted that despite improvements in certain segments, overall performance has not consistently aligned with planned targets, necessitating structural upgrades.
Rolling stock in the railway system includes a wide range of assets such as coaches, wagons, locomotives, EMUs, MEMUs, DEMUs, and trainsets, all of which are critical to expanding capacity and improving service delivery. The panel stressed that delays or shortfalls in production directly impact network expansion and operational efficiency.
Highlighting the issue, the committee observed that production units have fallen short in multiple years, with coach production significantly below targets in recent periods, while locomotive output has shown mixed performance. It recommended modernisation of manufacturing facilities, adoption of next-generation technologies, and strengthening of indigenisation efforts to bridge these gaps.
The panel also emphasised the need for skill development aligned with advanced manufacturing technologies, noting that upgrading workforce capabilities will be essential to support future rolling stock requirements.
In response, the Ministry of Railways informed that regular monitoring mechanisms are already in place, including monthly production reviews and coordination meetings involving production units, the Railway Board, and other stakeholders to track progress and resolve bottlenecks.
The recommendations come amid a broader push to scale up railway infrastructure and introduce modern train systems, making it critical for production units to keep pace with rising demand and evolving technological standards.
