Indian Railways has once again increased ticket prices, putting an additional burden on passengers across the country. The revised fares have come into effect from today. This marks the second fare hike within five months, after an earlier increase in July this year.
The latest revision impacts Mail and Express trains, including both AC and non-AC classes. Ordinary non-AC passengers travelling beyond 215 kilometres will also feel the impact. However, the Railways has provided relief to daily commuters by exempting suburban (local) trains and season tickets from the fare hike.
Why Were Fares Increased?
The Railway Ministry stated that rising operational and maintenance costs forced the decision. Expenditure on staff salaries has crossed ₹1.15 lakh crore, while pension payments stand at around ₹60,000 crore. To manage this financial pressure, the government introduced what it called a “fare rationalisation” measure.
Officials estimate that the hike will generate about ₹600 crore in additional revenue before the end of the current financial year. The government also clarified that it still bears nearly 50% of passenger ticket costs as subsidy, despite the increase.
How Much Extra Will Passengers Pay?
According to Railway Board Commercial Circular No. 24, the revised fares are as follows:
Suburban and Season Tickets: No change
Ordinary Non-AC: No increase up to 215 km; beyond that, fares rise between ₹5 and ₹20 based on distance
Ordinary Sleeper Class: Increase of 1 paise per kilometre
Mail/Express Trains (AC & Non-AC): Increase of 2 paise per kilometre, including premium trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Vande Bharat
Passengers who booked tickets before December 26 will not need to pay any additional charges. Reservation fees and superfast surcharges remain unchanged.
Opposition Slams the Government
Opposition parties have strongly criticised the fare hike. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of burdening common people without parliamentary discussion. He also questioned railway safety measures and demanded the resignation of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Congress leader K.C. Venugopal said rail travel had become “miserable” for ordinary passengers. The issue has now sparked a fresh political debate nationwide.
