Today, Friday, December 26, 2025, millions of passengers traveling by Indian Railways face significant news. The Ministry of Railways has decided to increase passenger fares across the country, effective today. According to the notification issued by the Railways, fares for Mail/Express and AC classes have been increased on a per-kilometer basis. However, the Ministry has also provided significant relief for daily commuters and those traveling short distances. In this article, we will examine in detail how much fares have increased for each class and whether pre-booked tickets will be affected.
Why did the train fares have to be increased
This is the second time the Ministry of Railways has revised fares within a year, following a previous increase in July. Defending this decision, the Ministry stated that it is necessary to strike a balance between operational stability and passenger affordability. The Railways argues that strengthening revenue sources is essential to provide modern amenities and better maintenance for new trains (such as the Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat).
How much the fare has increased in each class
The Railways have increased fares based on distance and class. For general and sleeper classes (non-AC), there is no change up to 215 kilometers. However, separate slabs have been created for travel above this limit. For distances between 216 and 750 kilometers, there is an increase of ₹5. For journeys between 751 and 1250 kilometers, passengers will have to pay an additional ₹10.
For longer distances between 1251 and 1750 kilometers, there is a steep increase of ₹15, and for journeys between 1751 and 2250 kilometers, there is a steep increase of ₹20. Fares for AC classes and non-AC classes of mail/express trains have been increased by 2 paise per kilometer. This rule applies to passengers traveling long distances.
These passengers received significant relief
The biggest relief in this strong railway notification is for daily commuters. The ministry clarified that there has been no change in the prices of suburban services and season tickets. Furthermore, fares for ordinary general class travel up to 215 kilometers have also not been increased. This is significant news for millions of people who travel short distances daily for work.
Impact on trains like Vande Bharat and Rajdhani
This fare increase is not limited to ordinary mail/express trains. According to the Railway Ministry, this revised structure will also apply to all premium and special trains in the country. These include the Vande Bharat Express, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto Express.
Additionally, the same steep hike will apply to fares of trains like Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Garib Rath, and Antyodaya. Fortunately, there are no changes to reservation fees, superfast charges, or other additional charges. GST rules will also remain in effect.
What will happen to old tickets
The biggest question on passengers’ minds upon hearing the news of the fare hike is whether they will have to pay extra at the station for tickets already booked. The Railways has clarified that the new fares will only apply to tickets booked today (December 26) or after. Passengers who booked their tickets on or before December 25 will not need to pay any extra during their journey, even if their travel date is today or tomorrow. This rule is a safeguard for those who have already planned a long vacation.`