Delhi, 26 December (H.S.): Rail travel became costlier from Friday as Indian Railways implemented a revision in passenger train fares following a notification issued by the Ministry of Railways. The revised fares came into effect from midnight of December 25 and are applicable only to tickets booked on or after December 26.

Passengers who booked their tickets before December 26 will not be charged any additional amount, even if their journey is scheduled after the revised fares came into force, railway officials said.

The fare revision, shared on December 21 and later formally notified by the Railway Board, is the second passenger fare hike in 2025, following a similar revision introduced in July. The Ministry of Railways said the increase seeks to balance passenger affordability with the financial sustainability of railway operations.

Railway authorities clarified that there has been no fare increase for Second Class Ordinary journeys up to 215 kilometres, providing relief to short-distance and daily commuters. Suburban train services and all season tickets, including both suburban and non-suburban routes, have been completely excluded from the fare revision.

Under the revised structure, fare increases apply only to longer journeys and higher travel classes, while short-distance and select passenger segments remain unaffected. Officials said the changes have been introduced in a graded and calibrated manner.

Railway Board Executive Director (Information and Publicity) Dilip Kumar said the revised fares were implemented uniformly across applicable classes and services, adding that the increase has been kept minimal while supporting operational costs.

Reservation fees, superfast train charges, taxes and other additional levies remain unchanged.

As per the revised fare structure, Second Class Ordinary (Non-Suburban) journeys up to 215 kilometres will see no change. For distances between 216 and 750 kilometres, the additional fare is Rs 5, rising to Rs 10 for journeys between 751 and 1,250 kilometres, Rs 15 for 1,251 to 1,750 kilometres, and Rs 20 for distances between 1,751 and 2,250 kilometres.

Sleeper Class Ordinary and First Class Ordinary fares have been increased by one paise per kilometre. Mail and Express train fares, both non-AC and AC classes, have been revised upward by two paise per kilometre across all categories. Railway officials said that for a 500-kilometre Mail or Express journey in non-AC coaches, the additional cost would be approximately Rs 10.

The revised fares are applicable to premium and special category trains as well, including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Yuva Express and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, in accordance with the updated class-wise fare structure.

Railway authorities said updated fare charts have been displayed at stations and ticketing systems have been aligned with the new fare framework.

No changes have been made to suburban train fares, season ticket prices, reservation charges, superfast surcharge or GST applicability. Fare rounding norms will continue as per existing rules.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar