Indian Railway Fare Hike: Train Travel Becomes Costlier from December 26, Know How Much Passengers Will Pay Extra

Train journeys in India have become slightly more expensive starting December 26, 2025, as the Indian Railways has implemented a fresh fare hike for passengers. This increase, announced earlier by the Railway Ministry, officially came into effect today and marks the second passenger fare revision in 2025, following an earlier hike in July.

While the railways have described the increase as marginal, it will still have a noticeable impact on long-distance travelers, especially those using Mail, Express, and AC classes. However, there is some relief for passengers who booked their tickets before December 26, as they will continue to travel at the old fare—even if their journey date falls later.

Who Will Be Affected by the Fare Increase?

The fare hike mainly targets long-distance passengers, while short-distance and daily commuters have largely been spared. According to Indian Railways:

• Tickets booked before December 26, 2025, will not be affected.

• The revised fares apply only to tickets booked on or after December 26.

This means passengers who planned ahead will not face any additional burden.

How Much More Will Passengers Pay Now?

Indian Railways has implemented a distance-based fare increase, keeping the additional cost as low as possible to minimize the impact on the common traveler.

Second Class Ordinary (Non-Suburban)

• For journeys up to 215 km: No change in fare

• For journeys above 215 km: 1 paisa per kilometer increase

To make it clearer, the Railways has introduced slabs for second-class passengers traveling more than 215 km:

• 216 to 750 km: ₹5 extra

• 751 to 1,250 km: ₹10 extra

• 1,251 to 1,750 km: ₹15 extra

• 1,751 to 2,250 km: ₹20 extra

Mail, Express, and AC Class Fare Hike

Passengers traveling in Mail and Express trains, including Sleeper, First Class, and all AC categories, will see a slightly higher increase:

• 2 paise per kilometer increase across non-AC and AC classes

For example, on a 500 km journey, passengers will pay approximately ₹10 more, which the Railways considers a minimal increase compared to overall travel costs.

Trains Covered Under the New Fare Structure

The revised fares will apply to most major train services, including:

• Rajdhani Express

• Shatabdi Express

• Duronto Express

• Vande Bharat Express

• Tejas Express

• Humsafar Express

• Amrit Bharat trains

• Garib Rath

• Janshatabdi and other Mail and Express trains

Indian Railways has clarified that this decision applies uniformly across premium and regular long-distance services.

Who Gets Relief from the Fare Hike?

Despite the increase, Indian Railways has ensured that daily commuters and short-distance travelers remain protected:

• Suburban and local trains: No fare change

• Season tickets (Monthly/Quarterly passes): No increase

• Second class ordinary journeys up to 215 km: Fully exempt

This move ensures that office-goers, students, and economically weaker sections are not burdened by the hike.

Why Did Indian Railways Increase Fares?

According to the Railway Ministry, the decision was taken due to rising operational and maintenance costs. Key reasons include:

• Increased spending on track upgrades and coach modernization

• Higher investment in signaling systems and safety infrastructure

• Growing expenses related to fuel, electricity, and staff operations

The Railways emphasized that improving passenger safety, comfort, and punctuality requires continuous investment, and a modest fare adjustment was necessary to support these goals.

Railways’ Assurance to Passengers

Indian Railways has assured passengers that despite the fare hike, its commitment to safe, affordable, and reliable travel remains unchanged. Officials stressed that even after the increase, train travel in India continues to be one of the most economical modes of transport compared to other options.

Bottom Line

The fare hike effective from December 26, 2025, brings a small increase in train ticket prices, mainly affecting long-distance travelers. While some passengers will pay a few rupees extra, daily commuters and short-route travelers remain unaffected. With rising costs and infrastructure upgrades underway, the Railways aims to balance affordability with improved services and safety.

Disclaimer: Ticket fares may vary depending on train type, distance, and applicable taxes. Passengers are advised to check official railway booking platforms for the latest fare details before travel.