Train Fares Set to Rise from July 1: Indian Railways to Implement New Pricing and Tatkal Booking Rules

Indian Railway Update: Passengers to Pay More for Train Travel Starting July 1, Aadhaar Mandatory for Tatkal Booking

From July 1, 2025, train journeys in India are likely to become slightly more expensive, as the Indian Railways is planning a fare revision after several years. According to internal sources cited in a Navbharat Times report, the Railway Board is considering a minor fare hike, which is expected to take effect next month.

This proposed change is aimed at improving service quality and managing increasing operational costs. It will affect both AC and non-AC train travel, including general mail and express trains.

Fare Hike Details: What to Expect

As per reports, passengers traveling in non-AC mail/express trains could see a fare increase of 1 paisa per kilometer, while those choosing AC classes might pay 2 paisa more per kilometer.

To put this into perspective:

• A journey from Delhi to Patna could cost around ₹10 more in non-AC classes, and ₹20 more in AC classes.

• For the Delhi to Mumbai route, the fare is likely to rise by approximately ₹14 for non-AC passengers and ₹28 for AC travelers.

Though the increment seems nominal, it could have a significant impact on frequent travelers and long-distance commuters, especially in premium categories.

New Tatkal Booking Rules from July 1

In addition to the fare hike, Indian Railways is also introducing stricter guidelines for Tatkal ticket bookings, starting from July 1, 2025.

As per a notification issued on June 10, 2025, passengers will now be required to link their Aadhaar card to book Tatkal tickets via the IRCTC website or mobile app.

The Railway Ministry has stated that this move is aimed at curbing misuse of the Tatkal system and ensuring that genuine passengers benefit from last-minute booking facilities.

The notice reads:
"To make sure the benefits of the Tatkal scheme reach the common people, Aadhaar-based authentication will be made mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets online."

OTP Verification Becomes Mandatory from July 15

Taking passenger authentication one step further, from July 15, 2025, Tatkal ticket bookings will also require an OTP (One-Time Password) verification. This OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked to the passenger’s Aadhaar card.

Without successful OTP verification, passengers will not be allowed to complete the booking process. This dual verification step is expected to reduce fraud, block agent misuse, and enhance the transparency of Tatkal bookings.

Why the Changes?

Indian Railways has been under pressure to modernize services, improve operational efficiency, and balance rising infrastructure costs. The marginal fare increase is a step toward generating additional revenue while maintaining affordability.

Similarly, changes in the Tatkal system aim to bring greater accountability and transparency, which have been long-standing concerns with last-minute ticketing practices.

What Passengers Should Do

• Check Updated Fares: Before booking tickets for travel after July 1, passengers are advised to review the new fare structure.

• Link Aadhaar to IRCTC Account: Those using IRCTC for Tatkal bookings should ensure their Aadhaar card is linked to their user profile.

• Verify Mobile Number: Make sure the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar is active to receive OTPs.

• Plan in Advance: With stricter rules in place, early planning and preparation will help avoid last-minute booking issues.

Key Highlights:

• Indian Railways to revise fares from July 1, 2025 after several years.

• 1 paisa/km hike for non-AC and 2 paisa/km for AC train travel.

• Aadhaar authentication mandatory for Tatkal ticket booking via IRCTC from July 1.

• OTP-based Aadhaar verification to be added from July 15, 2025.

These updates are part of Indian Railways' broader initiative to enhance passenger experience, curb fraudulent bookings, and optimize operational efficiency. Travelers are encouraged to stay updated with official announcements and prepare accordingly for a smooth travel experience.