Indian Railways has implemented a new passenger fare hike effective from December 26. Short-distance second-class ordinary travel up to 215 km remains unchanged, while longer journeys and AC classes will cost more.
Train Ticket Prices Rise from Today; Railways Release Revised Fare Structure
New De;hi: Indian Railways has issued a notification regarding an increase in passenger fares. These new rates came into effect on December 26th. The Ministry of Railways stated that this step was taken to strike a balance between operational costs and providing affordable services to passengers. This is the second time fares have been revised within a year; the previous increase was in July.
The railways have clarified that there is no increase in fares for journeys up to 215 kilometers in second-class ordinary trains. This will directly benefit daily commuters traveling short distances. However, for distances exceeding 216 kilometers, a fare increase of 1 paisa per kilometer has been implemented for ordinary class.
Fares in non-AC classes of Mail and Express trains have also been increased by 1 paisa per kilometer, while AC classes in all trains have seen an increase of 2 paise per kilometer. Sleeper class fares will also increase by 1 paisa per kilometer. This will put a slightly heavier burden on the pockets of long-distance travelers.
According to the table released by the railways, fares have been increased by ₹5 for journeys between 216 and 750 kilometers, ₹10 for 751 to 1250 kilometers, ₹15 for 1251 to 1750 kilometers, and ₹20 for distances between 1751 and 2250 kilometers. This increase will apply uniformly to all relevant trains.
The same fare increase, depending on the class, will also apply to premium and special trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Antyodaya, Gatimaan, Yuva Express, and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail. However, there is no change in reservation charges, superfast charges, and other additional charges. GST will also continue to be applied as before.
The railways have clarified that there will be no change in the fares of single tickets and all types of season tickets for suburban trains. This relief is considered significant for millions of daily commuters in metropolitan cities.
According to the railways, the revised fares will only be applicable to tickets booked on or after December 26, 2025. No additional charges will be levied on tickets booked before this date. The fare charts displayed at stations are also being updated to reflect the new rates.
