Our Bureau
New Delhi
Indian Railways will raise passenger fares effective December 26, 2025, marking another incremental adjustment to offset rising operational costs amid network expansion. The hike targets ordinary class beyond 215 km (1 paisa per km), Mail/Express non-AC (2 paise per km), and all AC classes (2 paise per km), adding roughly Rs 10 to a 500 km non-AC trip.
Local trains, monthly season tickets, and ordinary class up to 215 km remain unchanged, protecting daily commuters and short-distance travelers. The move is projected to boost annual revenue by Rs 600 crore, as Railways invests in infrastructure and manpower growth over the past decade.
This follows Union Minister of State for Railways V Somanna’s June assurance of staged hikes without major commuter impact. A July circular had already upped non-AC mail/express fares by 1 paisa per km and AC by 2 paise, sparing ordinary second-class up to 500 km (half paisa beyond).
The last broad revision hit January 1, 2020: 1 paisa per km for ordinary trains, 2 paise for mail/express second-class, 2 paise for sleeper, and 4 paise for AC classes. Critics argue frequent tweaks burden middle-class families reliant on affordable rail travel, though officials emphasize sustainability for India’s vast network serving millions daily.
Passenger groups urge subsidies for vulnerable sections, but Railways prioritizes financial viability amid electrification and Vande Bharat expansions. Travelers are advised to check IRCTC for updated fares post-December 26.
