Outlook Business Desk
Train fares are set to rise slightly from December 26. The increase will mainly affect long-distance travellers, while short-distance and suburban passengers are largely protected from the hike.
Passengers using Mail and Express trains, especially AC travellers, will feel the cost increase. Short-distance journeys under 215 kilometres remain unchanged to protect daily commuters.
For daily commuters and suburban passengers, fares, including monthly season tickets, remain unchanged. City and nearby town travellers will not face any extra charges under the new structure.
Fare increases apply to longer journeys. Non-AC Mail and Express passengers now pay 2 paise per kilometre and AC travellers also face a 2 paise per kilometre hike.
A 500-kilometre journey in a non-AC Mail or Express train will now cost ₹10 extra. AC passengers covering similar distances will pay the same additional amount.
Indian Railways explains the fare adjustment aims to cover rising expenses from network growth, more train services, enhanced safety measures, and increasing staff and pension costs.
Railways is now focusing on higher freight revenue instead of passenger fares. India has become the world’s second-largest cargo railway, backed by operational efficiency and improved asset use.
Meanwhile, this is not the first fare increase recently. In July 2025, Mail and Express train fares were also raised, marking the first hike since January 2020.