Railway fare to go up from Dec 26: There is a “minor” increase, say railways
Railways has rationalised its fare structure with effect from December 26, 2025, ensuring no increase for suburban services, monthly season tickets, or ordinary class journeys up to 215 km, while marginal hikes apply beyond this range, 1 paise per km for ordinary class over 215 km, and 2 paise per km for mail/express non-AC and AC classes.
As a result, a 500 km non-AC journey will cost passengers only ₹10 extra, while Railways expects to earn about ₹600 crore this year. The rationalisation comes amid expanded network operations, rising manpower and pension costs, now ₹1.15 lakh crore and ₹60,000 crore respectively, and total operational expenditure of ₹2.63 lakh crore in 2024–25.
To meet these costs, Railways is focusing on higher cargo loading alongside limited passenger fare adjustments, which have contributed to improved safety, enhanced efficiency, successful operation of over 12,000 trains during the festival season, and India emerging as the world’s second-largest cargo-carrying railway, while continuing efforts to contain costs and meet social objectives.
Last increase in fare was in July this year.