Railway Fare Hike: Train Travel to Get Costlier from December 26 — Check New Ticket Prices

Indian Railways has announced a revision in passenger fares effective December 26, 2025. While long-distance travelers will see a slight increase in fares, daily suburban commuters and short-distance passengers up to 215 km will not be affected. Here’s what changes and how much more you may pay.

Railway Fare Hike: Train Travel to Get Costlier from December 26, 2025

Long-distance passengers to pay more

If you frequently travel long distances on mail/express or AC trains, your journey is set to become slightly more expensive. However, there is no change for passengers using local or suburban trains daily.

The Ministry of Railways has announced a fare increase for both AC and non-AC trains, which will come into effect from December 26, 2025.

No hike up to 215 km

According to Indian Railways, there will be no additional fare for journeys up to 215 kilometers in general (ordinary) class.

This decision is aimed at protecting short-distance passengers and daily commuters from extra financial burden.

How much more will long-distance passengers pay?

Railways clarified that:

• For distances beyond 215 km in general class — ₹0.01 per km increase

• For Mail/Express and AC classes — ₹0.02 per km increase

Example:
For a journey of around 1,000 km in a non-AC Jan Sadharan Express, passengers may pay about ₹10 more.
In premium trains like Sampoorna Kranti Express, Vande Bharat, and Rajdhani, travelers could pay around ₹20 extra.

Fare hike applies to several major trains

The revised fares will also apply to:

Premium & Special Train Services

• Rajdhani

• Shatabdi

• Duronto

• Vande Bharat

• Tejas

• Humsafar

• Amrit Bharat

• Mahamana

• Gatimaan

• Antyodaya

• Jan Shatabdi

• Yuva Express

Special Coaches

• AC Vistadome

• Anubhuti Coach

It will also cover ordinary non-suburban train services.

Second fare hike this year

This is the second fare increase in 2025.

Earlier, on July 1, Indian Railways implemented a similar revision:

• Mail/Express trains — ₹0.01 per km increase

• AC trains — ₹0.02 per km increase

Railways expects ₹600 crore additional revenue

Indian Railways estimates that the fare adjustment will generate around ₹600 crore in additional revenue.

This revenue will be used to:

• Manage operational costs

• Improve passenger amenities

• Upgrade station infrastructure

• Maintain coaches

• Enhance safety systems

Over the past decade, Railway operations and network coverage have expanded significantly, helping the system reach even remote regions of the country.