Train Ticket Prices To Rise From Tomorrow As Railways Implements New Fare Structure

Indian Railways has announced a rationalisation of its fare structure, which will come into effect from tomorrow, 26 December 2025. Passengers travelling in non-AC and AC coaches on medium- and long-distance journeys will see a modest increase in fares. Short-distance commuters and suburban travellers will remain unaffected, ensuring affordability while helping the national transporter generate additional revenue.

Revised Fare Structure for Non-AC and AC Classes

From tomorrow, passengers in non-AC coaches travelling up to 500 km will pay an extra Rs 10. Mail and Express train fares have been raised by 2 paise per kilometre for non-AC coaches, and AC class fares have also increased by 2 paise per kilometre. This rationalisation helps balance operational costs while maintaining reasonable ticket prices for most travellers.

Exemptions From the Fare Hike

Certain categories of passengers are exempt from the fare revision. Suburban services and Monthly Season Tickets (MSTs) will continue at existing rates. Additionally, ordinary class travellers on journeys up to 215 km will not face any increase. This ensures that daily commuters and short-distance travellers are protected from the fare adjustment.

Expected Revenue and Benefits

Indian Railways expects the rationalisation to generate around Rs 600 crore in additional revenue this year. The extra funds are intended to support infrastructure maintenance, train modernisation, and improved passenger services. By standardising fares, the railways aim to sustain long-term operations while gradually enhancing travel quality across the network.

Example of the Fare Increase

For a practical example, a 500 km journey in a non-AC coach will now cost Rs 10 more. The increase reflects the 2 paise per kilometre adjustment applied to both non-AC and AC classes. Indian Railways emphasises that the hike is incremental and designed to keep travel affordable for most passengers.

Planning Ahead as a Passenger

Passengers travelling tomorrow and in the coming months should factor in the updated fares while planning their journeys. The rationalisation reflects the railways’ approach to balancing affordability with operational efficiency, ensuring that long-distance travel remains accessible while generating resources for continuous improvement.