Delhi , 22 Dec :Train journeys are set to become costlier as Indian Railways implements a fare hike from December 26, though key passenger categories have been spared. While fares for suburban services and short-distance travel remain unchanged, passengers travelling longer distances will have to pay more.
Under the revised fare structure, ordinary-class tickets for journeys up to 215 kilometres (km) will not see any increase. However, for distances beyond 215 km, fares will rise by 1 paise per km. Travel in non-air-conditioned coaches on Mail and Express trains will become costlier by 2 paise per km, while air-conditioned coaches will also see a 2 paise per km hike.
Gains at glance after fare hike
| CLASS | 2020–21 | 2025–26 (JUL) | 2025–26 (DEC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| First AC | 8.04 | 9.60 | 9.60 |
| AC Sleeper | 101.30 | 93.10 | 93.10 |
| 3 AC | 340.04 | 533.80 | 533.80 |
| Executive Class | 2.09 | 4.70 | 4.70 |
| AC Chair Car | 51.33 | 56.40 | 56.40 |
| First Class (Mail/Express) | 0.13 | 0.03 | 0.06 |
| First Class Ordinary | 0.40 | 0.07 | 0.15 |
| Sleeper Class (Mail/Express) | 649.70 | 292.30 | 584.60 |
| Sleeper Ordinary | 3.96 | 0.04 | 0.08 |
| Second Class (Mail/Express) | 658.70 | 458.50 | 917.00 |
| Second Class Ordinary | 255.38 | 43.20 | 86.30 |
| Total | 2,071 | 1,491.7* | 2,285.8* |
All figures in Rs crore
To put the increase in perspective, a 500 km journey in a non-AC coach will now cost Rs 10 more once the new rates take effect.
The Railways said the fare revision is aimed at offsetting rising operational costs following a significant expansion of its network and workforce over the past decade. The latest hike is expected to boost annual earnings by around Rs 600 crore.
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