Indian Railways Announces Modest Fare Revision Effective December 26

Ziraat Times News Desk

New Delhi, Dec 25: The Indian Railways has announced a rationalisation of passenger fare structures, effective from December 26, 2025, aimed at balancing affordability for passengers with the need for operational sustainability. The revised fares will apply only to tickets booked on or after the effective date, with no impact on existing bookings, even for journeys scheduled later.

According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Railways, there will be no change in fares for suburban services and Season Tickets, covering both suburban and non-suburban routes. The move ensures continued relief for daily commuters and short-distance travellers.

Limited Impact on Ordinary Classes

For Second Class Ordinary (Non-Suburban) travel, fares remain unchanged for journeys up to 215 kilometres. For longer distances, a modest graded increase has been introduced:

• ₹5 for journeys between 216 km and 750 km

• ₹10 for journeys between 751 km and 1,250 km

• ₹15 for journeys between 1,251 km and 1,750 km

• ₹20 for journeys between 1,751 km and 2,250 km

In Sleeper Class Ordinary and First Class Ordinary, fares have been rationalised at a uniform rate of 1 paise per kilometre, ensuring minimal additional burden on passengers.

Mail/Express and Premium Services

For Mail and Express trains, including both AC and Non-AC categories, fares have been revised at 2 paise per kilometre. This applies across classes such as Sleeper, First Class, AC Chair Car, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier and AC First Class.
For instance, a passenger travelling 500 km in a non-AC Mail/Express train will pay approximately ₹10 more.

The revised fare structure also applies to premium and special services such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Tejas, Vande Bharat, Duronto, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, and Ordinary non-suburban services, in line with approved class-wise revisions.

No Change in Ancillary Charges

The Railways clarified that there is no change in reservation fees, superfast charges, or other ancillary levies. GST applicability and fare-rounding rules also remain unchanged.

The updated fare charts will be displayed at stations, and the new rates will apply only to tickets booked on or after 26 December 2025.

Reaffirming its commitment to passenger welfare, Indian Railways stated that the rationalisation exercise seeks to balance affordability with long-term operational sustainability, while ensuring reliable and accessible rail travel across the country.