Indian Railways fare hike effective from today: New rates, whos affected, and key details
Train ticket fare hike| The Railway Board has announced rationalization of basic train fares for passenger services, effective from 26 December 2025, in line with the revised passenger fare table.
New Delhi: The Indian Ministry of Railways has announced a revision in passenger fare tariffs, effective from today. This marks the second fare adjustment in 2025, following a previous increase announced in July. The new fare charts are being updated across railway stations and digital platforms nationwide.
The ministry has framed the increase as a necessary measure to balance affordability with the long-term sustainability of the world's fourth-largest rail network.
Why Has Indian Railways Increased Fares?
The Ministry of Railways has cited a dual objective behind the latest fare restructuring. In an official communication, the ministry stated that the revision aims to "provide service to passengers at affordable prices while simultaneously sustaining the railway's operations."
This "balanced approach" is designed to ensure the financial health of the network while continuing to invest in safety, reliability, and new amenities. The move is seen as part of an ongoing effort to reduce the system's reliance on freight subsidy for passenger operations and to fund modernization projects.
Who is Exempt from the Latest Railway Fare Hike?
In a significant relief for daily commuters and short-distance travelers, the fare hike is not universal. The ministry has explicitly shielded certain passenger categories:
- Suburban Train Commuters: All suburban local train services across zones remain unaffected.
- Season Ticket Holders: The cost of monthly and periodical season tickets remains unchanged.
- Short-Distance Ordinary Class Travel: For ordinary second-class non-AC travel, there is no increase for distances up to 215 kilometers.
Detailed Breakdown of the New Railway Fares 2025
The revision follows a slab-and-distance-based model. Here is a detailed overview of how fares have changed across different travel classes:
1. For Ordinary Non-AC Classes (Long Distance):
- 0 - 215 km: No change in fare.
- 216 - 750 km: Fare increased by ₹5.
- 751 - 1250 km: Fare increased by ₹10.
- 1251 - 1750 km: Fare increased by ₹15.
- 1751 - 2250 km: Fare increased by ₹20.
2. For Sleeper Class & First Class (Ordinary, Non-Suburban):Fares have been increased at a minimal rate of 1 paisa per kilometer for non-suburban journeys, resulting in a gradual increase.
3. For All Mail/Express Trains (Including AC Classes):This category sees the broadest application. Fares have been revised upwards by 2 paise per kilometer across all classes (AC and Non-AC).
- Example: A passenger traveling 500 km in an AC 3-tier coach on a Rajdhani Express will now pay approximately ₹10 extra.
Which Trains Will Cost More? Complete List
The revised base fares apply to virtually all major non-suburban services. This includes premium and high-speed trains, such as:
- Premium Services: Vande Bharat, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Tejas, Tejas Rajdhani, Humsafar, Gatimaan, Amrit Bharat.
- Other Important Trains: Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, Antyodaya, Mahamana Express.
- Regular Mail/Express trains (excluding AC MEMU/DEMU services).
- Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services.
Crucial Date for Ticket Booking
Passengers must note a critical implementation detail:
- The new fares apply only to tickets booked on or after December 26, 2025.
- If you have already booked a ticket for future travel before this date, no additional charge will be levied, even if your journey date falls after December 26.