Railway fares to go up from Dec 26
INDIAN Railways announced a fare hike effective December 26, 2025, to boost revenue by Rs 600 crore, adding 1 paisa/km for Ordinary Class (over 215km) and 2 paise/km for Mail/Express (AC/non-AC), with no increase for short distances or suburban travel, citing rising operational costs.
Passengers on a 500km non-AC trip will pay Rs 10 extra, while Railways also focuses on cargo revenue and bullet train progress.
Key Details of the Fare Hike:
Effective Date: December 26, 2025.
Revenue Target: Rs 600 crore additional income.
Ordinary Class: +1 paisa per km for journeys over 215 km.
Mail/Express (AC & Non-AC): +2 paise per km.
Exemptions: No increase for travel under 215 km, suburban/monthly season tickets.
Why the Hike?
Increased Costs: Higher manpower (salaries, pensions) and operational expenses.
Revenue Diversification: Railways are also increasing focus on freight loading.
Other Railway Developments:
Bullet Train: Progress continues with 100% land acquisition in Maharashtra for the high-speed project.
Operational Efficiency: Acknowledged improvement in running more trains, like during festivals, and becoming the world's second-largest cargo carrier.
