Train fare revision from December 26; no hike in these categories

Indian Railways has rationalised its passenger fare structure with effect from December 26, 2025, aiming to strike a balance between passenger affordability and long-term operational sustainability. 

The announcement was made by the Ministry of Railways in an official statement issued on Thursday.

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No Change for Suburban Services and Season Tickets

The ministry clarified that there is no change in fares for suburban services and Season Tickets, including both suburban and non-suburban routes. This ensures that daily commuters and regular travellers remain unaffected by the revised fare structure.

Graded Fare Revision for Ordinary Non-AC Trains

For Ordinary Non-AC (Non-Suburban) services, fares have been revised in a graded manner across Second Class Ordinary, Sleeper Class Ordinary, and First Class Ordinary.

In Second Class Ordinary, there is no fare increase for journeys up to 215 km, protecting short-distance passengers. For distances between 216 km and 750 km, fares increase by ₹5. Longer journeys will see step-wise increases: ₹10 for 751–1250 km, ₹15 for 1251–1750 km, and ₹20 for 1751–2250 km.

For Sleeper Class Ordinary and First Class Ordinary, fares have been uniformly revised at 1 paise per kilometre for non-suburban journeys, ensuring a limited and gradual increase.

Mail and Express Trains: Marginal Increase Across Classes

In Mail and Express trains, fares across both Non-AC and AC classes have been rationalised at 2 paise per kilometre. This applies to Sleeper Class, First Class, AC Chair Car, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier, and AC First Class. According to the ministry, a 500 km journey in non-AC Mail/Express coaches will cost passengers only about ₹10 extra.

Premium and Special Trains Included

The revised basic fares also apply to major services such as Tejas Rajdhani, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Tejas, Mahamana, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, and other Ordinary non-suburban trains. The revision has been carried out uniformly and in a calibrated manner across applicable classes.

No Change in Additional Charges

Importantly, reservation fees, superfast surcharges, and other ancillary charges remain unchanged. GST rules will continue as before, and fares will be rounded off according to existing norms.

Applicability of Revised Fares

The revised fares will apply only to tickets booked on or after December 26, 2025. Tickets booked before this date will not attract any additional charges, even if the journey takes place later. Fare lists displayed at stations will also be updated to reflect the new rates.

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Focus on Balance and Sustainability

Indian Railways stated that the fare rationalisation reflects a balanced approach, safeguarding passenger convenience while ensuring the financial sustainability of railway operations.a