Railway Travel Becomes Costlier from Today: Here’s the Complete Fare Update

New Delhi: Train travel across India has become more expensive starting today. The Ministry of Railways has officially announced a hike in fares for long-distance passenger trains, effective immediately. Local trains and short-distance commuters remain unaffected by this change.

Details of the Fare Hike
For journeys over 215 kilometers in the ordinary class, fares will increase by 1 paisa per kilometer. For example, a 500-kilometer non-AC journey will now cost an additional ₹10. AC and non-AC coaches of mail and express trains will see an increase of 2 paisa per kilometer. This marks the second fare hike in 2025, following the July revision.

The fare adjustment is expected to generate an additional ₹600 crore in revenue for the current financial year. Local trains, monthly season tickets, and ordinary class journeys up to 215 kilometers will continue to be charged at the old rates.

Why the Hike?
Railway officials cite a decade-long expansion of the rail network and operations as the reason for the modest increase. Growing operational demands and enhanced safety measures, along with higher staffing costs, have contributed to rising expenses. Employee costs have reached ₹1.15 lakh crore, while pension expenditure is now around ₹60,000 crore. The total operating cost for 2024-25 was ₹2.63 lakh crore.

To offset these costs, Indian Railways is also focusing on freight revenue and limited passenger fare adjustments, while improving safety and efficiency. India has now become the second-largest freight railway system globally. Additionally, non-fare revenue is being boosted, including by allowing large restaurant chains to set up outlets at stations.

Second Class Ordinary Fare Revision

• Up to 215 km: No increase
• 216–750 km: +₹5
• 751–1,250 km: +₹10
• 1,251–1,750 km: +₹15
• 1,751–2,250 km: +₹20

Mail and Express Train Fare Changes
Non-suburban sleeper and first-class ordinary fares have increased by 1 paisa per kilometer for non-AC coaches, while AC and non-AC classes in mail and express trains will see 2 paisa per kilometer hike. This applies to Sleeper Class, First Class, AC Chair Car, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier, and AC First Class.

Trains Affected
The new fares apply to prominent trains such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Mahamana, Yuva Express, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, and other non-suburban services. AC MEMU and DEMU services are not affected.

The Ministry clarified that the fare hike applies only to tickets booked on or after 26 December 2025. Tickets booked before this date will not attract any extra charges. Fare charts at railway stations have also been updated to reflect the new prices.

The Ministry of Railways reaffirmed its commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable travel, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of operations.