Indian Railways Announces Minor Fare Hike Effective December 26

Indian Railways has announced a minor fare increase effective December 26, primarily impacting long-distance travelers. While fares for journeys up to 215 kilometers remain unchanged, those traveling further will see a slight rise. The railway expects to generate additional revenue to cover operational costs. This article delves into the specifics of the fare adjustments and the rationale behind them, providing essential insights for passengers planning their journeys.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 21, 2025, 14:11 IST

Overview of the Fare Increase

Indian Railways has revealed a slight increase in its fare structure, set to take effect on December 26. This adjustment primarily targets passengers traveling long distances, while those commuting short distances or using local trains will see no changes.

Who Benefits from the Fare Freeze?

For travelers in the general class covering distances up to 215 kilometers, there will be no fare adjustments. Additionally, the prices for local trains and monthly passes will remain unchanged.

Details of the Fare Increase

For journeys exceeding 215 kilometers, the fare in the general class will rise by 1 paisa per kilometer, while for mail and express trains (both AC and non-AC), the increase will be 2 paisa per kilometer. For instance, if you travel 500 kilometers on a mail or express train, your fare will only increase by 10 rupees compared to the previous rates.

Reason Behind the Fare Hike

The railway authorities anticipate that this fare adjustment will generate an additional revenue of approximately 600 crore rupees, which will be utilized to cover operational expenses.