Train travel across the country is set to become costlier as Indian Railways announced a revision in passenger fares, with the increase coming into force from December 26. The move primarily impacts long-distance travellers, while short-distance and suburban commuters have been largely spared.
According to the revised structure, passengers travelling up to 215 kilometres in general class will not see any change in ticket prices. Suburban rail services will also continue with existing fares, providing relief to daily commuters who rely on trains for work and essential travel.
However, journeys beyond 215 kilometres will attract higher fares. For long-distance travel, fares have been increased by 1 paise per kilometre. In mail and express trains, passengers travelling in non air-conditioned coaches will pay an additional 2 paise per kilometre. The same increase applies to air-conditioned classes, making longer journeys slightly more expensive across all major categories.
To put the hike into perspective, a 500 kilometre journey in a non air-conditioned coach will now cost around ₹10 more than before. Passengers travelling in AC coaches over the same distance will also bear a similar additional cost.
The Railways has said the fare revision is aimed at offsetting rising operational expenses. Over the past decade, the national transporter has significantly expanded its network and services, leading to a sharp increase in manpower and pension-related costs. Manpower expenses have reportedly risen to ₹1,15,000 crore, while pension payouts now stand at around ₹60,000 crore. Overall operational costs for the 2024&ndash;25 financial year have reached ₹2,63,000 crore.
Officials have indicated that the fare hike is expected to generate approximately ₹600 crore in additional revenue. This amount will be used to manage higher staffing costs and support continued expansion and maintenance of the rail network. Alongside passenger fare revisions, the Railways is also focusing on boosting cargo loading to strengthen its revenue base.
Earlier this year, fares were revised in July, when non air-conditioned mail and express classes saw a marginal increase of 1 paise per kilometre, while AC fares were raised by 2 paise per kilometre. That revision marked the first fare hike since January 2020.
While the latest increase is modest in absolute terms, it signals a gradual shift towards cost recovery as the Railways balances affordability with rising operational demands.

Train Tickets to Cost More as Railways Hikes Fare

Long-distance passengers to pay more as revised railway fares take effect from December 26

Train Tickets to Cost More as Railways Hikes Fare

Long-distance passengers to pay more as revised railway fares take effect from December 26

December 21, 2025 | 15:46 IST