New Delhi: Long-distance rail travel across India became more expensive from Friday after the Ministry of Railways brought into effect a revised passenger fare structure, marking the second increase in train ticket prices this year. The new fares apply to tickets booked on or after December 26, while bookings made before this date will remain unaffected even if the journey is undertaken later.
The fare revision, officially notified on December 25, follows an announcement made by the ministry on December 21. The move is part of an effort to balance passenger affordability with the financial sustainability of railway operations.
According to the ministry, suburban services and season tickets — covering both suburban and non-suburban routes — have been kept outside the scope of the fare hike. This measure is intended to shield daily commuters and short-distance travellers from the impact of higher ticket prices.
For second class ordinary travel, fares remain unchanged for journeys up to 215 km. Passengers travelling between 216 km and 750 km will see an increase of ₹5 in ticket prices. For distances ranging from 751 km to 1,250 km, the fare hike has been fixed at ₹10. Journeys between 1,251 km and 1,750 km will attract an increase of ₹15, while those covering 1,751 km to 2,250 km will see a maximum hike of ₹20.
In ordinary sleeper class and first class on non-suburban routes, ticket prices have been increased uniformly at the rate of 1 paise per kilometre.
Gradual Increase
The ministry said this approach ensures a gradual rise in fares without placing a heavy burden on passengers undertaking longer journeys.
Mail and express trains have been subjected to a slightly higher revision, with fares increased by 2 paise per kilometre across all classes. This applies to both non-AC and AC categories, including sleeper class, first class, AC chair car, AC three-tier, AC two-tier, and AC first class. As an example, the Railways noted that passengers travelling 500 km in non-AC mail or express coaches will pay roughly ₹10 more than earlier.
The revised fares also extend to premium and special train services such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, Mahamana and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, along with ordinary non-suburban services.
The ministry clarified that there has been no change in reservation charges, superfast surcharges, or other additional fees. GST rates remain unchanged, and fare rounding norms will continue as before.
The previous fare revision was implemented in July, making this the second increase within six months, reflecting the Railways’ ongoing effort to manage rising operational costs while limiting the impact on passengers.
(Cover photo by Killian Pham on Unsplash)