India Railways Ticket Fare Hike: Starting from July 1, 2025, passengers travelling by train may have to shell out a little more.
The Ministry of Railways is planning to raise fares across AC classes, sleeper class, and second class on long-distance routes, as per The Indian Express.
The decision is expected to help the Railways boost revenue while keeping the fare increase minimal.
According to railway sources, the hike will apply to:
This is the first fare revision since 2020, and railway officials claim it is the lowest hike compared to previous revisions.
Passengers using suburban trains and monthly season passes won’t be affected by the new fare structure. This decision ensures affordability for lakhs of people who rely on local trains for daily commuting.
The decision follows recommendations made by the Standing Committee on Railways in December 2024. The Committee urged the ministry to align fare prices, especially in AC classes, with operational costs. Data shows:
Railways expects to earn Rs 92,800 crore from passengers in FY2025-26. With the fare hike in place, an additional Rs 700 crore could be generated during the remaining months of this financial year. This move is aimed at reducing losses while ensuring that train travel remains accessible and affordable for the masses.
Although the fare hike might pinch slightly, the increase is minimal and long overdue. With India’s railways continuing to serve crores of citizens, the extra revenue will help improve services and infrastructure in the long run.