Rail fare hike kicks in from Dec 26; How much more will train ticket cost?

Indian Railways’ revised passenger fare structure that raises ticket prices across most long-distance ordinary and Mail/Express services came into effect today, December 26.

Under the new regime, ordinary non-AC second class fares for journeys beyond 215 km have been increased in slabs.

Passengers travelling 216–750 km will pay ₹5 more, while those covering 751–1,250 km will see a ₹10 increase.

The hike rises to ₹15 for distances of 1,251–1,750 km and ₹20 for journeys between 1,751 km and 2,250 km, according to a commercial circular issued by the Railway Board.

For Sleeper Class Ordinary and First Class Ordinary, fares have been revised uniformly at the rate of 1 paise per kilometre for non-suburban journeys.

In Mail and Express trains, the fare increase has been capped at 2 paise per kilometre across both non-AC and AC classes, including Sleeper, First Class, AC Chair Car, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier and AC First Class.

A passenger travelling 500 km in a non-AC Mail/Express coach will pay about ₹10 more. The existing basic fares of premium and special train services such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Gatimaan, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, among others, have been revised in line with the approved class-wise increases.

“No changes have been made in reservation fees, superfast surcharges, or other ancillary charges, which will continue to be levied as per existing rules. GST applicability remains unchanged, and fares will continue to be rounded off according to prevailing norms,” the Ministry of Railways said in a statement.

As per the Railway Board’s circular, the revised fare structure is applicable only to tickets booked on or after December 26, 2025. Tickets issued before this date will continue to be honoured at the old rates, even if the journey takes place later. However, tickets issued by ticket-checking staff on or after the effective date will be charged at the revised rates.

The railways said updated fare charts will be displayed at stations and implemented across reservation and unreserved ticketing systems, including PRS and UTS.

“Indian Railways remains committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable travel to millions of passengers every day. The revised fare structure reflects a balanced approach that safeguards passenger convenience while maintaining operational sustainability,” the ministry said.