Indian Railways Announces Fare Rationalisation Effective December 26
New Delhi: Indian Railways on Thursday announced a rationalisation of passenger fares, which will come into effect for tickets booked on or after December 26. The move, according to the Ministry of Railways, is aimed at balancing passenger affordability while ensuring the long-term sustainability of railway operations.
In an official press release, the Railways clarified that there will be no increase in fares for suburban services and season tickets, applicable to both suburban and non-suburban routes. This decision ensures that daily commuters and frequent travellers remain unaffected by the revised fare structure.
No Impact on Short-Distance Travel
The ministry also confirmed that Second Class Ordinary journeys up to 215 kilometres will continue at existing fare levels. This step is expected to protect short-distance and economically sensitive travel segments, which form a large portion of rail passengers across the country.
Revised Fares for Ordinary Non-AC Services
For Ordinary Non-AC (Non-Suburban) services, fares have been revised in a graded manner based on distance. In Second Class Ordinary, passengers will see an increase of Rs 5 for journeys between 216 km and 750 km, Rs 10 for distances between 751 km and 1,250 km, Rs 15 for 1,251 km to 1,750 km, and Rs 20 for journeys ranging from 1,751 km to 2,250 km.
For Sleeper Class Ordinary and First Class Ordinary, fares will increase uniformly at the rate of 1 paise per kilometre for non-suburban journeys.
Mail and Express Trains See Modest Hike
In Mail and Express trains, the fare increase has been capped at 2 paise per kilometre across both Non-AC and AC categories. This applies to Sleeper, First Class, AC Chair Car, AC 3-Tier/3E, AC 2-Tier, and AC First Class coaches.
Railway officials noted that this translates into a relatively modest rise. For instance, a non-AC Mail or Express journey of 500 km would cost approximately Rs 10 more.
Premium Trains and Special Services Covered
The revised basic fares will also apply to premium and special services, including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas Rajdhani, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Antyodaya, Gatimaan, Mahamana, Yuva Express, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, and Ordinary non-suburban services. Anubhuti and AC Vistadome coaches are also included.
No Change in Other Charges
The ministry clarified that reservation fees, superfast surcharges, and other ancillary charges remain unchanged. GST applicability and fare rounding rules will also continue as before.
Tickets booked before December 26 will not attract the revised fares, even if the journey date falls after the change. However, tickets issued by TTEs or booking staff on or after December 26 will be charged at the new rates.
The updated fare charts will be displayed at stations from December 26, and changes will be implemented across ticketing platforms, including PRS and UTS.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople
The Railways’ decision to rationalise fares reflects a cautious approach, targeting long-distance and premium travel while protecting daily commuters and short-distance passengers. By keeping increases modest and shielding suburban and low-distance journeys, the move seeks to maintain affordability while supporting operational sustainability. How passengers respond to these changes will be closely watched as the revised fares come into force this holiday season.
