From ticket booking to new trains: Top 10 Indian Railways changes in 2026 you need to know

Train fare hike

Train travel is set to become costlier in 2026. With Indian Railways’ revised fare structure coming into effect from December 26, 2025, passengers booking tickets in the new year will feel the impact. This will mark the second railway fare hike in the financial year 2025–26.

IRCTC ticket booking time

Recently, the Ministry of Railways has extended the train ticket booking window for Aadhaar-authenticated IRCTC users on the opening day of the Advance Reservation Period (ARP). The change will be rolled out in a phased manner. It decided to further expand the scope of Aadhaar-authenticated booking for general reservations on the opening day, extending the window up to 12 midnight (00:00 hours) in a phased manner.

Vande Bharat Sleeper train launch

To cater to long and medium distance overnight travel, the Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to be launched in 2026. “Two such rakes have been manufactured and are under trial/ commissioning. The Vande Bharat Sleeper variant is having faster acceleration and deceleration,” Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in a written reply in Lok Sabha on December 3.

Unveiling of Vande Bharat Sleeper train prototype by Kinet Railway Solutions

Indo-Russian JV Kinet Railway Solutions is set to unveil the first prototype by June 2026. The company has received the contract to manufacture 120 Vande Bharat Sleeper train sets.

Hydrogen train launch

The national transporter is likely to roll out Hydrogen train in 2026. Earlier this year, the first hydrogen-powered coach or driving power car tested at Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai.

Holding areas at railway stations (Yatri Suvidha Kendra)

After the successful implementation of a permanent passenger holding area at New Delhi railway station (NDLS), the Ministry of Railways aims to construct permanent passenger holding areas at 75 more stations. It has targeted to complete the construction of permanent holding areas before 2026 festival season.

Completion of India’s first high speed test track

Indian Railways’ first dedicated high-speed test track for trains is expected to be completed by the March 2026. Being developed by the Research Design and Standards Organisation (RDSO) at a cost of Rs 967 crore, the facility is located between Gudha and Thathana Mithri in the Nawa region of the Jodhpur Division, about 70 km from Jaipur.

Railway electrification

The Ministry of Railways is moving closer to achieve full electrification of its entire broad gauge (BG) network. At present, the electrification of Indian Railways’ broad gauge network has reached 99.2%, covering 25 states and Union Territories (UTs). In 2026, it is expected to increase further.

Redevelopment of railway stations

The national transporter has been redeveloping more than 1300 railway stations across the country under Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. These railway stations are being modernised in a phased manner. It is expected that the upgrading work at several more stations would commence in 2026.

Apart from these, the national transporter will also introduce more Vande Bharat Express (Chair Car version), Amrit Bharat Express and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail trains on various routes to strengthen connectivity.