Train Fares : Train ticket rates will rise from December 26 as Indian Railways unveils a new structure; check new pricing

Train Fares : Indian Railways announced on Sunday that train tickets for ordinary class, non-AC, and AC trains will increase beginning December 26, 2025. According to the information supplied, the maximum fare increase for mail and express trains in both AC and non-AC classes will be two paise per kilometre. There is no fare increase for trips under 215 kilometers in ordinary class.

“For travels beyond 215 km, there will be a fare hike of 1 paise per km in Ordinary Class, and 2 paise per km for Mail/Express Non-AC and AC classes,” Indian Railways announced.

Passengers traveling 500 kilometers without air conditioning would pay an extra Rs 10, and the measure is projected to generate Rs 600 crore in income.

Check the most recent Train Fares .

How much will the railways make?

Railway officials estimate that the tariff modification will increase revenue by around ₹600 crore this year. The railway network and operations have grown dramatically during the last decade. To assure safety and improve services, the railways have increased its workforce, resulting in a significant increase in spending.

Railway manpower costs

According to the report, the railways’ staff expenditures have risen to Rs 1.15 lakh crore, with Rs 60,000 crore paid yearly on pensions. In total, the railways’ operational cost for 2024-25 has reached almost Rs 2.63 lakh crore. To offset rising costs, railways are increasing freight traffic while making minor adjustments to passenger tariffs.

Meanwhile, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that cash withdrawals are not permitted via the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation’s (IRCTC) e-wallet account. People who have put money in their e-wallet account can only use it to buy tickets and cannot withdraw it; however, the money will be sent back to the user’s bank account after the e-wallet account is closed.