Railway Ministry Plans Minimal Fare Hike for Non-AC and AC Classes in 2025

The Railway Ministry is planning a slight fare increase for non-AC and AC classes in Mail and Express trains, effective July 1, 2025. This adjustment, which is the smallest compared to previous hikes, aims to balance operational costs while maintaining affordability for commuters. Notably, there will be no fare increases for suburban trains and monthly season tickets, ensuring support for daily travelers. The last significant fare revision occurred in 2020, and the upcoming changes reflect a careful consideration of passenger needs. Read on to discover more about the proposed fare adjustments and their implications for train travel in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 24, 2025, 21:17 IST

Upcoming Fare Adjustments for Train Services

New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways is contemplating a fare increase for non-AC classes on Mail and Express trains by 1 paisa and for all AC classes by 2 paise per kilometer, effective July 1, 2025, as reported by officials on Tuesday.

A railway representative noted, “This proposed increase is the smallest compared to fare adjustments made in 2020 and 2013.”

Regarding suburban trains and monthly season tickets, the official mentioned that there will be no fare hikes to support daily commuters.

For ordinary second-class tickets, there will be no fare increase for journeys up to 500 kilometers, while for longer distances, a slight increase of half a paisa per kilometer may be implemented.

Previously, on January 1, 2020, train fares were adjusted on a per kilometer basis, with second-class fares for ordinary and Mail/Express trains rising by 1 paisa and 2 paise, respectively. Additionally, sleeper class and all AC class fares saw increases of 2 paise and 4 paise, respectively.

The last significant fare revision occurred in 2013, when second-class fares for ordinary trains increased by 2 paise, and for Express/Mail trains, the rise was 4 paise. The sleeper class fare also saw a hike of 6 paise.

In 2013, all AC class fares, except for AC II, were raised by 10 paise, while AC II fares increased by 6 paise per kilometer.