New Delhi: Train journeys across India have become more expensive from today, as the Indian Railways’ revised passenger fare structure officially comes into effect. The increase applies to both non-AC and AC coaches in Mail and Express trains, with fares raised by 2 paise per kilometre. For non-AC passengers, this translates into an additional ₹10 for every 500 kilometres travelled.
Under the new revision, ordinary non-AC (non-suburban) services have seen a slab-based hike. Ordinary class journeys exceeding 215 kilometres will now cost 1 paise more per kilometre, while Mail and Express non-AC travel will be costlier by 2 paise per kilometre. AC class fares in Mail and Express trains have also been increased by 2 paise per kilometre.
The revised base fares will impact several premium and long-distance services, including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Gatimaan, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Antyodaya, Yuva Express, Mahamana, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail and other non-suburban trains.
Relief, however, has been extended to suburban commuters. Local train services, monthly season tickets and ordinary class journeys up to 215 kilometres remain untouched by the fare hike. The Railways also clarified that reservation charges, superfast surcharges and GST will continue as per existing norms.
Passengers who booked their tickets before the revised fares came into force will not have to pay any additional amount, even if their journey is scheduled after December 26. However, tickets purchased at railway stations or issued by ticket examiners (TTEs) from today onwards will be charged at the new rates.
The Railways said the fare revision aims to strengthen revenue, with an additional ₹600 crore expected through the hike. Officials pointed to rising operational costs as the primary reason, citing manpower expenses of ₹1.15 lakh crore, pension liabilities of ₹60,000 crore and total operational expenditure touching ₹2.63 lakh crore in the 2024–25 financial year. To manage these costs, the Railways said it is focusing on higher earnings through both passenger fares and increased cargo operations.
