New Delhi: Long-distance train journeys will cost slightly more from December 26, with Indian Railways announcing a marginal fare hike across AC and non-AC classes. Passengers travelling 500 km will see a ₹10 increase in the base fare, the Railways said on Sunday.
This is the second fare revision this year, driven by higher manpower needs amid expanded operations, according to the Ministry of Railways.
Indian Railways is set for a marginal fare hike starting December 26, targeting long-distance trips over 215 km. Mail/Express Non-AC & AC fares rise by 2 paise/km.#India #IndianRailway #FareHike #IRailwayFare #CNBCTV18Digital pic.twitter.com/U50Fuu57lH
— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18News) December 21, 2025
Under the revised structure, Ordinary Class fares for trips beyond 215 km will rise by 1 paise per km. Mail and Express trains will see a 2 paise per km increase in non-AC categories, while AC classes will also go up by 2 paise per km. Suburban services, Monthly Season Tickets, and unreserved General Class fares for journeys up to 215 km remain unchanged.
The Railways expects the rationalisation to add about ₹600 crore to annual revenues. Officials said operating costs have climbed to ₹2.63 lakh crore, necessitating the adjustment.
The move comes as rail travel surges, with passenger volumes crossing seven billion in FY 2024–25—the highest since the pandemic—highlighting the network’s growing scale even as fares inch up.
