Train fares hike alert: travel costlier from Dec 26, here's who gets relief

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): If you frequently travel by train, this news is very important for you. Indian Railways has announced an increase in train fares, effective December 26, 2025. While the Railways has provided relief to the common man by excluding short-haul passengers from this increase, long-distance travel will now be a bit more difficult for passengers. The Railways says this decision has been taken to address rising operating expenses and maintain improved facilities.

According to the new system issued by the Railways, fares for suburban passengers and Monthly Season Ticket (MST) holders remain unchanged. Additionally, ordinary class passengers traveling up to 215 kilometers will receive tickets at the same rates, providing significant relief to short- and medium-distance travelers. However, under the new system, ordinary class passengers traveling more than 215 kilometers will now have to pay an additional 1 paisa per kilometer. Meanwhile, fares for both non-AC and AC classes on mail and express trains have been increased by 2 paisa per kilometer. For example, a passenger traveling 500 kilometers in non-AC will now have to pay 10 rupees more than before.

Railway officials say that this fare revision is expected to generate additional revenue of approximately ₹600 crore for the railways in the current financial year. Officials explained that the railways' network and operations have expanded significantly over the past decade, leading to a significant increase in expenses. Looking at the figures, the railways' manpower expenditure has risen to ₹1.15 lakh crore, while ₹60,000 crore is being spent annually on pensions. Overall, the railways' operational expenditure will reach approximately ₹2.63 lakh crore in the financial year 2024-25. This minor revision in passenger fares has been made to offset these rising expenses.

The Railways claims that the increased costs have had a direct impact on safety and improved services, making India the world's second-largest freight-carrying railway network. The successful operation of over 12,000 special trains during the recent festive season is also a testament to the Railways' strong workforce. Overall, while this increase may seem minor, regular long-distance travelers will have to loosen their purse strings and plan their travels based on the new fares.