New Delhi: The Railway Ministry has announced that passenger train fares will increase starting December 26. The change affects long-distance journeys: ordinary class trips over 215 km will see a jump of 1 paise per kilometer, while both AC and non-AC classes on mail and express trains will rise by 2 paise per kilometer.
This marks the second fare adjustment this year, following a hike in July. The Ministry aims to strike a balance between the railway’s financial health and making travel affordable for passengers.
Importantly, suburban services and all annual passes won’t see any changes. Fares for second class, sleeper class, and first class have been updated. Passengers traveling up to 215 kilometers in second class ordinary will not face higher prices. Those making trips between 216 and 750 kilometers will pay an extra ₹5. For longer distances, the increase is graded as follows: ₹10 for 751–1250 km, ₹15 for 1251–1750 km, and ₹20 for 1751–2250 km.
For non-suburban routes, fares in sleeper and first class ordinary are adjusted to increase by 1 paise per kilometer. Both AC and non-AC categories will see rises of 2 paise per kilometer for mail and express lines. For example, passengers could pay about ₹10 more for a non-AC trip of 500 km.
These changes apply to premium services like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat, among others. Importantly, only tickets bought on or after December 26 will be subject to the new fares. If you buy your ticket before that date, you won’t face any extra charges, even if your trip gets delayed.
The Ministry emphasized that it remains committed to ensuring safe, reliable, and affordable travel while keeping operations sustainable. According to a recent survey by the Indian National Railway Advisory Committee, nearly 80% of travelers expressed a desire for transparent pricing, which aligns with this fare revision’s release.
As travel patterns change, it’s clear that many passengers are sensitive to fare increases, especially as the cost of living continues to rise. Social media reactions indicate mixed feelings, with some travelers acknowledging the need for fare adjustments, while others voice concerns over increased travel costs. This reflects a broader trend where commuters seek both quality service and affordability in their travel experiences.
For more information on fare changes, you can refer to the official [Ministry of Railways](https://indianrailways.gov.in/) website.
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