Train journeys across the country, which function as a vital transportation mode for numerous Indians, are about to become more expensive following the Indian Railways’ fare increase announcement on Sunday.
The announcement indicates long-distance passengers will experience the steepest impact from the hike, while travelers covering distances under 215 kilometres remain unaffected by the fare rise. Suburban train fares have also been kept unchanged.
The updated fares will come into effect on December 26.
New train fare structure following Railways’ announcement
- General class ticket prices for distances up to 215 kilometres will stay the same. Suburban rail fares also remain unaffected.
- Journeys exceeding 215 kilometres will see a fare increase of 1 paise per kilometre. Non-air-conditioned coach fares on mail or express trains have risen by 2 paise per kilometre.
- Air-conditioned coach travel costs have also increased by 2 paise per kilometre.
The recent hike is projected to generate approximately ₹600 crore in additional revenue for the railways, which stated this will help cover rising manpower expenses and network expansion costs.
The new fare hike means a 500-kilometre trip in non-air-conditioned coaches will cost an extra ₹10 once the revised rates begin. Air-conditioned compartment passengers will pay the same additional amount.
Additional Railways statement
In its press release, Indian Railways noted it has substantially expanded its network and operations during the past decade while increasing its workforce.
According to the Railways, manpower expenses have climbed to ₹1,15,000 crore and pension costs to ₹60,000 crore. Total operational expenses have reached ₹2,63,000 crore in the 2024-25 financial year.
Beyond the fare increase, the Railways indicated it is concentrating on boosting cargo loading to address growing manpower costs.
Previously, the Railways had implemented a fare hike in July this year. Non-air-conditioned class fares in Mail and Express trains increased by 1 paise per kilometre, while air-conditioned class travel became costlier by 2 paise per kilometre. That marked the first fare increase since January 2020.