Train fares hiked from December 26: Railway Ministry notifies new ticket prices, here’s how much more passengers will pay

The Railway Ministry on Thursday officially notified a hike in passenger train fares, with the revised ticket prices coming into effect from Friday, December 26.

Under the new structure, fares have been increased by 1 paise per kilometre for ordinary class journeys beyond 215 km, and by 2 paise per kilometre for non-AC classes of mail and express trains as well as AC classes across all trains.

The ministry had announced the decision on December 21. This marks the second passenger fare revision this year, after an earlier hike implemented in July.

No change for suburban services and season tickets

In a statement, the Railway Ministry said the fare rationalisation aims to balance passenger affordability with operational sustainability.

It clarified that there will be no change in fares for suburban services and season tickets, including both suburban and non-suburban routes.

For ordinary non-AC (non-suburban) services, fares have been revised in a graded manner across second class ordinary, sleeper class ordinary, and first class ordinary.

How fares change for second class ordinary

• No fare increase for journeys up to 215 km
• Rs 5 increase for distances between 216 km and 750 km
• Rs 10 increase for distances between 751 km and 1,250 km
• Rs 15 increase for distances between 1,251 km and 1,750 km
• Rs 20 increase for distances between 1,751 km and 2,250 km

The ministry said this ensures that short-distance travellers and daily commuters are not affected.

Mail and express train fares revised

For sleeper class ordinary and first class ordinary, fares have been increased uniformly at 1 paise per kilometre for non-suburban journeys.

In mail and express trains, fares have been revised at 2 paise per kilometre across both non-AC and AC classes. This includes sleeper class, first class, AC chair car, AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier and AC first class.

As an example, the ministry said that for a 500 km journey in non-AC mail or express coaches, passengers will pay around Rs 10 extra.

Which trains are affected

The revised fares apply to major services such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Mahamana, Yuva Express, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, and ordinary non-suburban services. AC MEMU and DEMU services remain excluded where applicable.

Booking date matters

The ministry clarified that the new fares apply only to tickets booked on or after December 26, 2025. Tickets booked before this date will not attract any additional charges, even if the journey takes place later.

Fare charts displayed at railway stations will also be updated to reflect the revised prices.

Reiterating its position, the Railway Ministry said Indian Railways remains committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable travel, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of its operations.

Inputs from PTI