Railway fare hike from July 2025: What passengers need to know

New Delhi: In an effort to streamline fare structures and enhance the financial viability of passenger services, the Ministry of Railways has announced a rationalisation of basic fares for passenger trains, effective from July 1, 2025.

The revised fare structure is based on the updated Passenger Fare Table issued by the Indian Railway Conference Association (IRCA).

Key Highlights of the Fare Revision:
No Change in Fares for:
Suburban single journey tickets

Season Tickets (suburban and non-suburban routes)

Ordinary (Non-Suburban) Passenger Trains – Non-AC Classes:
Second Class:
No increase for travel up to 500 km

Rs. 5 increase for distances between 501–1500 km

Rs. 10 increase for distances between 1501–2500 km

Rs. 15 increase for distances between 2501–3000 km

Sleeper and First Class (Non-AC):
Fare increased by 0.5 paisa per km

Mail/Express Trains – Non-AC Classes:
Second Class, Sleeper Class, and First Class:
Fare increased by 1 paisa per km

Mail/Express Trains – AC Classes:
AC Chair Car, AC 3-Tier/3E, AC 2-Tier, AC First/Executive Class, Anubhuti Class:
Fare increased by 2 paisa per km

This revised fare structure also extends to premium and special train services, including:
Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Mahamana, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, AC Vistadome, and Anubhuti coaches.

No Change in Ancillary Charges:
Reservation fees

Superfast surcharges

Other applicable charges

GST will continue to be applied as per current rules.
Fare rounding off will follow existing norms.

Implementation Details:
The revised fares will apply to all tickets booked on or after July 1, 2025.

Tickets issued before this date will remain valid at existing rates.

Railway systems including PRS (Passenger Reservation System), UTS (Unreserved Ticketing System), and manual ticketing processes are being updated accordingly.

Zonal Railways have been instructed to ensure seamless implementation and to update fare displays at all railway stations across the country.

This rationalisation is part of Indian Railways’ ongoing efforts to make the fare structure more uniform, transparent, and financially sustainable, while continuing to provide affordable travel options for millions of passengers.