New Delhi, June 2025: In a new move that will impact millions of passengers, Indian Railways is planning to increase train fares for Mail/Express trains from July 1, 2025. The fare hike will apply to both non-AC (Sleeper, Second Seating) and AC classes (1st, 2nd, 3rd AC).
According to Indian railway officials, this fare revision is minimal compared to previous hikes in 2020 and 2013, and is aimed at managing rising operational costs while keeping travel affordable for common passengers.
Revised Fare Structure (Proposed)
- Non-AC Classes (Sleeper, 2S):
Increase of 1 paisa per kilometer - All AC Classes (1AC, 2AC, 3AC):
Increase of 2 paisa per kilometer - Short-Distance Travel (up to 500 km):
No fare hike - Long-Distance Travel (over 500 km):
Possible increase of up to 0.5 paisa per km - Suburban Trains (Monthly Pass & Daily Commuters):
No change in fare
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Fare Hike Comparison with Previous Years Increases
- January 1, 2020:
- Non-AC: 1-2 paisa/km
- Sleeper & AC: 2-4 paisa/km
- 2013:
- Non-AC (Ordinary): 2 paisa/km
- Mail/Express (2nd Class): 4 paisa/km
- Sleeper: 6 paisa/km
- AC Classes: 6-10 paisa/km
The upcoming fare adjustment in 2025 will be the smallest in over a decade, according to railway officials.
Why Indian Railways Increase the Fare?
Officials cite rising fuel prices, infrastructure upgrades, and the need for service improvements as key reasons for the fare increase. However, they’ve assured that the hike is nominal and structured to avoid burdening short-distance and daily passengers.
What Passengers Should Know
- The revised fares are expected to be updated on the IRCTC website and NTES app ahead of implementation.
- The fare hike will affect tickets booked for travel on or after July 1, 2025.
- For daily and suburban commuters, including those using monthly passes, fares will remain unchanged.
Stay tuned to Your Railway Guide for the latest updates on train fares, schedules, route changes, and passenger services.