Train fares are set to increase from December 26. Questions were being raised about what the new fares would be. Now, Indian Railways has announced the new fare structure. Local train fares have not been increased. However, long-distance train tickets are set to become more expensive.
How much will ticket prices increase? What has Indian Railways announced?
Indian Railways has announced that fares will not be increased for those travelling in general compartments (ordinary class) within 215 kilometres.
Beyond 215 kilometres, fares for general compartment (ordinary class) travel will increase by one paisa per kilometre. For mail and express trains, fares in both non-AC and AC classes will increase by 2 paisa per kilometre. Passengers will have to pay ₹10 extra for travelling 500 kilometres in non-AC coaches. Suburban train and monthly ticket prices are not being increased.
Along with fare increases to manage additional expenses, emphasis has been placed on increasing revenue through freight trains.
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Why is the fare increasing?
The reason for this fare increase has been explained. Railways has announced that this fare increase will generate an additional revenue of ₹600 crore for them. The extensive expansion of the railway network over the past decade has also been mentioned. Along with train services, workforce capacity has also increased. Currently, ₹1 lakh 15 thousand crore is being spent on railway employees. Pension expenses have increased to ₹60 thousand crore. In the 2024-25 financial year, railway operating expenses have reached approximately ₹2.63 lakh crore. Along with fare increases to manage additional expenses, emphasis has been placed on increasing revenue through freight trains.
According to informed circles, the railways have tried to ensure that the fare increase for long-distance trains does not cause too much trouble for passengers. Indian Railways has almost forgotten about making profits from passenger transport. In such circumstances, the Railway Board decided to increase long-distance train fares by just a few paisa. However, how much benefit this will bring—only time will tell.
