New Delhi
The Ministry of Railways has announced a revision in train fares, effective December 26, aimed at generating an estimated Rs 600 crore in additional revenue for the current financial year. This marks the second fare increase in 2025, following the first rationalisation implemented on July 1, which generated Rs 700 crore.
Under the new fare structure, ordinary class passengers traveling beyond 215 km will incur an additional charge of 1 paisa per km. Non-AC mail and express classes will see a rise of 2 paise per km, with AC classes also facing a 2-paise-per-km increase. For a 500 km non-AC journey, this translates to an extra Rs 10. Suburban trains and Monthly Season Tickets (MSTs) remain unaffected by the hike.
Railway officials explained that rising manpower costs, which reached Rs 1,15,000 crore in 2024–25, along with pension expenses of Rs 60,000 crore and a total operational cost of Rs 2,63,000 crore, necessitate modest fare adjustments. They emphasized that fare rationalisation is part of a broader strategy, including higher cargo loading, to enhance efficiency while meeting social obligations.
The Railways highlighted its expanded network and improved operational performance, including mobilising over 12,000 trains during the festival season. Officials stressed that the fare hike balances operational sustainability with affordability, ensuring the continued safety and quality of passenger services.
💰 Fare Changes
| Class / Distance | Fare Revision | Example (500 km) | |
| Ordinary Class (≤215 km) | No change | ₹0 | |
| Ordinary Class (>215 km) | +1 paisa per km | ₹5 | |
| Non-AC Mail/Express | +2 paise per km | ₹10 | |
| AC Classes | +2 paise per km | ₹10 | |