Train Tickets Cost More From Today! Indian Railways Fare Hike Kicks In on Dec 26: Here's What Changes

Indian Railways has announced a marginal hike in passenger train fares, which will come into effect for tickets booked on or after December 26. While the increase is small, it will impact long-distance travellers, especially those using mail or express trains and AC classes. Importantly, suburban commuters and short-distance passengers have been spared, which means daily travel is affordable.

The railway ministry has described the move as a fare rationalisation, aimed at balancing passenger affordability with rising operational costs.

What Train Fares Are Increasing From December 26?

Under the revised fare structure, long-distance and premium travel will become slightly more expensive.

Ordinary non-AC, non-suburban travel beyond 215 km will see a hike of 1 paise per km.

Mail/Express non-AC coaches will get costlier by 2 paise per km.

All AC classes, including AC Chair Car, 3E, 3-tier, 2-tier, and 1st AC, will also see a 2 paise per km increase.

To put it simply, a 500 km non-AC Mail/Express journey will cost about Rs. 10 more than before. The impact rises gradually for longer routes.

Who Will Not Be Affected by the Fare Hike?

Indian Railways has ensured that essential and daily travel remains untouched.

There will be no fare increase for suburban and local train services; even Monthly Season Tickets (MSTs) on suburban and non-suburban routes will also stay the same.

Additionally, ordinary second-class journeys up to 215 km will also remain unaffected.

For office-goers, students, and short-distance passengers, it is a relief, as they can continue travelling without worrying about higher ticket prices.

Slab-Wise Fare Impact for Ordinary Second Class

For ordinary second-class passengers travelling long distances, the increase will be modest and slab-based:

• 0-215 km: No change
• 216-750 km: Around Rs. 5 more
• 751-1,250 km: Around Rs. 10 more
• 1,251-1,750 km: Around Rs. 15 more
• 1,751-2,250 km: Around Rs. 20 more

From When Will the New Railway Fares Apply?

The revised fares will apply only to tickets booked on or after December 26. The tickets booked before December 26 will not be re-priced; this applies even if the journey date is later. So, passengers who book their train tickets before the cut-off date can still travel at the old rates.