Indian Railways has unveiled a fresh fare revision that will make long-distance train travel costlier from December 26, 2025. The move aims to help the rail network cope with rising operational and staffing costs. This adjustment marks the second passenger fare revision in the current financial year.
The Railway has announced a new fare structure effective from December 26, 2025, with no fare increase for journeys under 215 km in Ordinary Class. For journeys beyond 215 km, there will be a fare hike of 1 paise per km in Ordinary Class, and 2 paise per km for Mail/Express… pic.twitter.com/lD4fUQ8eeK
— ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2025
Railway Fare Hike: What’s Changing in Train Fares?
- No hike for short trips: Ticket prices for journeys up to 215 km remain unchanged.
- Long-distance cost rise: For trips beyond that distance, fares will increase slightly.
- Ordinary class: Additional 1 paisa per km beyond 215 km.
- Non-AC Mail/Express: Extra 2 paise per km above 215 km.
- AC classes: Also rise by 2 paise per km on longer journeys.
This means a 500-kilometre trip in a non-AC coach will cost roughly ₹10 more than before, while AC travellers will see a similar increase.
Why This Fare Hike?
The Railway Ministry says the revision reflects higher manpower expenses and rising operational costs. Over the past decade, the Railways expanded its network and services, which increased spending on staff and maintenance. Officials estimate that this modest fare hike will bring in around ₹600 crore more in revenue this fiscal year.
The Railways has also pointed out that freight operations, which generate major income, haven’t seen a tariff change in years, putting additional pressure on passenger service finances.
Railway Fare Hike: Who Won’t Pay More?
Some passengers are unaffected by the new fares:
- Suburban local train fares: No change.
- Monthly Season Tickets (MSTs): Will stay at current rates.
- Short distances (less than 215 km) in ordinary class: No fare hike.
- This ensures daily commuters and short-distance travellers don’t bear the brunt of the price revision.
Railway Fare Hike: How Big is the Impact?
Even though the hike sounds small, it can add up on longer routes:
- For a 1,000 km journey in AC class, the price could rise by about ₹20.
- Travelling longer than 1,500 km will proportionally cost more due to the per-km increase.
Still, officials insist the increase is marginal, especially when compared with fares in other transport modes.
Railways Broader Strategy
The fare change is part of a larger effort to make the rail system more financially stable. Alongside fare adjustments, Railways is also focusing on increasing cargo loading to boost revenue.
Authorities state that balancing quality services with affordable travel remains a priority — especially for those who rely on trains daily.
Previous Hikes This Year
This December revision follows an earlier fare increase implemented in July 2025, when long-distance passenger fares were also adjusted after several years without change.
In summary: Train travel will get slightly costlier for long distances from Dec 26, 2025. Short trips and suburban travel remain affordable, while those going farther will pay a bit more to help the Railways manage rising expenses.
