Indian Railways faces the challenge of providing affordable travel for millions of people while also ensuring profitability. The shift towards premium services, such as AC coaches, has created overcrowding in lower classes and raised concerns about the affordability of train travel for the masses. The National Rail Plan 2030 projects a higher growth rate for AC passengers, leading to concerns about the future of non-AC coaches. The railways are grappling with the dilemma of balancing their social obligations with the need for economic viability.