Indian Railways Increases Long Distance Train Fares Nationwide From December 26

New Delhi: Long-distance train journeys across India have become more expensive starting today, December 26, as Indian Railways implemented a nationwide fare increase. This revision marks the second passenger fare hike introduced within a span of six months and is expected to significantly add to the national transporter’s revenue.

In an official statement, Indian Railways said the fare rationalisation exercise is projected to generate nearly Rs 600 crore in additional income during the current year. The revised fares apply mainly to Mail and Express trains as well as premium long-distance services, while suburban travel remains unaffected.

Indian Railways Fare Hike: What Has Changed for Passengers

Under the updated fare structure, passengers travelling up to 500 kilometres in non-AC coaches will now pay an additional Rs 10. For Mail and Express trains, fares in non-AC classes have been increased by 2 paise per kilometre. Air-conditioned classes have also seen a similar rise of 2 paise per kilometre across categories.

Railway officials clarified that for a typical 500-kilometre journey in non-AC Mail or Express coaches, the overall increase will amount to roughly Rs 10, keeping the hike relatively modest for most travelers.

Ministry Explains Reasons Behind the Latest Revision

The Ministry of Railways stated that the fare adjustment was necessary to cope with rising manpower and operational costs. Over the last decade, Indian Railways has expanded its network and services extensively, reaching remote and underserved regions across the country.

Announced officially on December 21, the decision follows an earlier fare revision that came into effect in July this year. According to the ministry, the objective of fare rationalisation is to strike a balance between maintaining affordability for passengers and ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of railway operations.

Indian Railways Fare Hike: Distance-Based Changes Explained

For ordinary non-AC, non-suburban services, fares have been revised using a graded distance-based system. There is no fare increase for journeys up to 215 kilometres. Passengers travelling between 216 km and 750 km will pay Rs 5 extra, while those covering 751 km to 1,250 km will see a Rs 10 hike.

Journeys ranging from 1,251 km to 1,750 km will cost Rs 15 more, and trips between 1,751 km and 2,250 km will attract an additional Rs 20. These changes apply across second class ordinary, sleeper class ordinary, and first class ordinary categories.

No Change for Suburban Services, Premium Trains Affected

The Railway Ministry confirmed that suburban services and season tickets both suburban and non-suburban will not see any fare revision. However, the updated fares apply to a wide range of premium and long-distance services.

These include Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Gatimaan, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Garib Rath, Antyodaya, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, among others. Indian Railways said it will continue to review fares periodically to ensure efficiency while keeping passenger interests in mind.