Indian Railways Fare Hike from July 1: Big Changes Coming for IRCTC Tatkal Bookings – Check What’s New!
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From July 1, 2025, passengers boarding Indian Railways trains will face slightly higher ticket prices and tighter booking rules, as part of a broader update to railway travel protocols. This marks the first fare hike since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indian Railways will introduce a small fare increase:
- No hike for journeys under 500 km
- Beyond 500 km: ₹0.005 increase per kilometre
The fare revision excludes certain categories of passengers and specific routes, offering some relief to daily commuters.
A major shift is also happening in the Tatkal ticket booking system, which is widely used for last-minute travel.
Starting July 1, 2025, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets via the IRCTC website or mobile app. The Ministry of Railways stated, “With effect from 01-07-2025, tickets under Tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/ its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users.”
From July 15, users will also need to complete an OTP-based Aadhaar verification for Tatkal bookings. This move aims to limit fraudulent activities and discourage mass bookings by agents.
To prevent misuse, the Railways has imposed strict time-based limits on authorised agents:
This ensures that regular passengers get priority access to these high-demand tickets.
Indian Railways is also testing a 24-hour advance reservation charting system. Currently, charts are prepared 4 hours before departure. If the new rule is implemented nationwide:
Cancellation & Refund: What You Need to Know
Refund rules vary by timing and class:
Refund amounts also vary by coach class, with higher deductions for AC classes. Those cancelling unconfirmed waiting list tickets usually receive nearly the full fare.
Online passengers can check their refund status and cancellation charges on the IRCTC website or app.
Nationwide Implementation?
The 24-hour charting rule is currently in trial at a single station. If successful, it could be rolled out across the country, along with corresponding changes in refund policies.
These updates reflect Indian Railways’ push toward a more streamlined, secure, and passenger-friendly booking system - but travellers will need to stay alert to the new rules to avoid last-minute surprises.
What’s Changing in Ticket Prices?
Indian Railways will introduce a small fare increase:
- Mail/Express (Non-AC): ₹0.01 hike per kilometre
- AC Classes: ₹0.02 hike per kilometre
- Ordinary Second-Class:
- No hike for journeys under 500 km
- Beyond 500 km: ₹0.005 increase per kilometre
- No changes in suburban train fares or monthly season ticket prices
The fare revision excludes certain categories of passengers and specific routes, offering some relief to daily commuters.
Aadhaar Now Mandatory for Tatkal Bookings
A major shift is also happening in the Tatkal ticket booking system, which is widely used for last-minute travel.
Starting July 1, 2025, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets via the IRCTC website or mobile app. The Ministry of Railways stated, “With effect from 01-07-2025, tickets under Tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/ its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users.”
From July 15, users will also need to complete an OTP-based Aadhaar verification for Tatkal bookings. This move aims to limit fraudulent activities and discourage mass bookings by agents.
Restrictions for Agents
To prevent misuse, the Railways has imposed strict time-based limits on authorised agents:
- AC Tatkal Tickets: Not allowed between 10:00 am and 10:30 am
- Non-AC Tatkal Tickets: Blocked from 11:00 am to 11:30 am
This ensures that regular passengers get priority access to these high-demand tickets.
New Reservation Chart Rule Under Trial
Indian Railways is also testing a 24-hour advance reservation charting system. Currently, charts are prepared 4 hours before departure. If the new rule is implemented nationwide:
- Passengers will know their final booking status a full day in advance
- This provides more time for travel planning and cancellations
- However, the window for cancelling confirmed tickets and receiving a refund will shift earlier too
Cancellation & Refund: What You Need to Know
Refund rules vary by timing and class:
- 48 to 12 hours before departure: 25% of fare is deducted
- 12 to 4 hours before departure: Higher deduction applies
- After chart preparation: No refund for confirmed tickets
Refund amounts also vary by coach class, with higher deductions for AC classes. Those cancelling unconfirmed waiting list tickets usually receive nearly the full fare.
Online passengers can check their refund status and cancellation charges on the IRCTC website or app.
Nationwide Implementation?
The 24-hour charting rule is currently in trial at a single station. If successful, it could be rolled out across the country, along with corresponding changes in refund policies.These updates reflect Indian Railways’ push toward a more streamlined, secure, and passenger-friendly booking system - but travellers will need to stay alert to the new rules to avoid last-minute surprises.
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