Indian Railways Implements Fare Hike: Higher Ticket Prices Take Effect Today

New Delhi – Passengers across India will face slightly higher train ticket costs starting today as Indian Railways rolls out a nationwide adjustment to its fare structure.

This marks the second such increase in under six months, following a revision in July that, according to the railways ministry as reported by news agency PTI, brought in an additional ₹700 crore in revenue.

Railway officials have stated that the latest changes are projected to generate approximately ₹600 crore for the national transporter by March 31, 2026.

The adjustments involve modest per-kilometre increases: one paise per km for ordinary class journeys exceeding 215 km, and two paise per km for non-air-conditioned seats in mail and express trains, as well as all air-conditioned classes.

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For instance, a traveler covering 500 km in a non-AC coach would see an additional charge of just ₹10.

Certain categories remain unaffected by the hike. The railways ministry has confirmed no changes to monthly season tickets for suburban services or to fares for ordinary class travel up to 215 km.

The decision stems from significant operational expansions over the past decade, which have necessitated more staff and resources. In an official statement, the railways noted that manpower expenses have risen to ₹1,15,000 crore, pension costs to ₹60,000 crore, and overall operational expenditures to ₹2,63,000 crore for 2024-25.

The ministry described the move as a rationalisation to cover these escalated costs while highlighting achievements in safety enhancements and operational improvements. It pointed out that India now ranks as the second-largest cargo-carrying railway globally.