New Delhi: Long-distance train travel in India became costlier on 26 December after the Ministry of Railways announced a fare hike, the second such increase in the past six months.
The revised fares apply only to tickets booked on or after 26 December, while tickets booked earlier will not attract additional charges, even if the journey is undertaken later.
The ministry said the increase aims to balance passenger affordability with the sustainability of railway operations. There is no change in fares for suburban services and season tickets across both suburban and non-suburban routes.
Under the new structure, second-class ordinary fares remain unchanged for journeys up to 215 km, while longer distances will see increases ranging from Rs 5 to Rs 20. Sleeper and first-class ordinary fares have been raised by 1 paisa per km, while Mail and Express trains across AC and non-AC classes will see a 2 paisa per km hike.
The revised fares also apply to premium services such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat, Duronto and Tejas. Reservation fees, superfast surcharges and GST remain unchanged.
