Starting 1st July 2025, Indian Railways will increase fares for passengers, especially those traveling long distances.
This is the first fare hike in five years, with the last revision done in 2020. However, officials claim that this increase is the lowest in the past 12 years.
How Much Will the Fare Increase?
The fare hike will apply mainly to long-distance travel:
Second class (ordinary trains):
Increase of 0.5 paisa per kilometer (for journeys over 500 km)
AC class passengers:
Increase of 2 paisa per kilometer
Mail/Express trains:
Increase of 1 paisa per kilometer
Who Will Not Be Affected by the Hike?
Some passengers are exempt from this fare increase:
Monthly pass holders
Urban and local train passengers
Tickets booked before July 1, 2025
So, if you’ve already booked your ticket, the new rates won’t apply to you.
New Rule for Tatkal Tickets – Aadhar Now Mandatory
From July 1, Tatkal ticket booking will require Aadhar authentication. This means:
You must enter your Aadhar number while booking Tatkal tickets.
This move aims to reduce fake bookings and increase transparency in ticketing.
Why Has the Fare Been Increased?
Railway officials say the fare hike was necessary. According to M. Jamshed, former Member (Traffic), Indian Railways, this increase is expected to generate around ₹1,500 crore in additional annual revenue.
This money will be used to:
Improve passenger services
Upgrade railway station infrastructure
Previous fare hikes were seen in 2013, 2014, and 2020.
Planning a Journey After July 1?
If you’re traveling by train on or after 1 July 2025, be prepared to pay slightly more, especially if:
You’re taking a long-distance journey
You’re traveling in Second Class or AC coaches.
