Indian Railways is one of the largest Railway networks in the world. When trains become too old to run, they go through a structured process of retirement, transformation and scrapping.
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Every coach, engine and wagon is built to last a fixed number of years. Older ICF passenger coaches last 25 to 30 years. Modern LHB coaches are used for up to 35 years. A train can also be withdrawn if it becomes unsafe, repair costs rise, or it becomes technologically outdated.
Second life as goods carriers
Retirement does not always mean the end. Many old passenger coaches are often converted into goods carriers called NMG coaches. During conversion, seats, fans and lights are removed, and windows are sealed. The body is reinforced with metal to turn it into a strong, sealed coach that can carry goods instead of people. These coaches transport cars, tractors, and mini trucks. They continue working for another 5 to 10 years after conversion, as reported by NDTV.
Large-scale retirement between 2020 and 2024
Indian Railways went through a major upgrade phase under its Mission Zero Scrap and electrification plans. Old diesel engines were phased out and replaced by electric trains. Safer, modern LHB coaches replaced older models. Between 2020 and 2024, over 1,000 engines were scrapped and more than 37,000 coaches and wagons were retired.
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The scrapping process
When a train is declared unfit for use, it is taken apart piece by piece. Materials are sorted carefully. These include ferrous metals such as iron, steel and non-ferrous metals such as copper, aluminium, and brass. Smaller parts including seats, air conditioners, lights, and batteries are removed and either reused or recycled, as cited by NDTV.
