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Train fare hike from Dec 26: Here’s how much more you will pay for Delhi–Howrah, Delhi–Mumbai travel

Train Fare Hike From Dec 26: The fare rationalisation does not apply to suburban (local) services and Monthly Season Tickets (MSTs). There is also no fare increase for journeys up to 215 km in the ordinary class.

4 min readUpdated: Dec 25, 2025 11:32 PM IST

Train Fare Hike From Dec 26: In a statement, the railways said the fare rationalisation is expected to generate around Rs 600 crore in additional revenue this year. (Image generated using AI)

Train fare increase, Indian Railways fare hike, Train Fare Hike From Dec 26 2025: The long-distance train travel is set to get costlier from Friday, December 26, marking the second fare hike in the past six months. The Ministry of Railways said the increase was necessary to meet the rising manpower costs. It also noted that over the past decade, Indian Railways has significantly expanded its network and operations, reaching even the remotest corners of the country.

Also Read | Train fare hike from Dec 26: Rail travel gets costlier; non-AC passengers to pay Rs 10 extra for 500 km

Indian Railways fare classes explained, Indian Railways fare per kilometer

Under the revised train fares, the passengers travelling up to 500 km in non-AC coaches will have to pay an additional Rs 10. The national transporter has increased fares for Mail and Express trains in non-AC coaches by 2 paise per km, while AC class fares have also been raised by 2 paise per km. In a statement, it said the fare rationalisation is expected to generate around Rs 600 crore in additional revenue this year.

Effective from December 26, 2025

Railway Fare Rationalization Details

No Increase in Fare

• Suburban and Monthly Season Ticket

• Ordinary Class up to 215 km

Fare Increase Details

• Ordinary Class (more than 215 km) – 1 paise per km

• Mail/Express Non-AC – 2 paise per km

• AC class – 2 paise per km

Railways will earn about ₹600 crore this year as a result of this rationalisation

Example: 500 km Journey

For a 500 km journey in non-AC coaches, passengers will have to pay only ₹10 extra

Source: Ministry of Railways

Express InfoGenIE

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

Indian Railways fare calculator

Source: Ministry of Railways

Indian Railways fare chart 2025

As Indian Railways’ new fare chart 2025 comes into effect from December 26, here’s a look at how the train fare hike will impact passengers travelling on two of the busiest routes: Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah.

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Delhi-Howrah train fare, Delhi to Howrah all train list

According to IRCTC, Indian Railways operates over five regular trains, including premium services, on the Delhi–Howrah route. These include the NDLS–Howrah Rajdhani Express, NDLS–Sealdah Rajdhani Express, NDLS–Howrah Duronto Express, NDLS–Howrah Poorva Express, and the Kalka–Howrah Netaji Express.

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After the Indian Railways fare hike, passengers travelling between Delhi and Howrah (Kolkata), a distance of around 1,441 km – will have to pay more across classes while booking tickets. For Ordinary (General) class, the fare will increase by Rs 15. In Mail/Express non-AC classes, passengers will pay Rs 30 extra, while Mail/Express AC class travellers will also have to spend Rs 30 more per ticket, according to railways.

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Delhi-Mumbai train, Delhi-Mumbai train ticket price

According to IRCTC, Indian Railways operates more than 15 trains, including premium services such as the Mumbai Central Tejas Rajdhani, Hazrat Nizamuddin–Madgaon Rajdhani, and Hazrat Nizamuddin–Mumbai Central Rajdhani Express, on the Delhi–Mumbai route, among others.

Following the Indian Railways fare hike, passengers travelling between Delhi and Mumbai, a distance of 1,365 km – will have to pay higher fares across classes while booking tickets.

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The fare for Ordinary (General) class will increase by Rs 15. In Mail/Express non-AC classes, passengers will pay Rs 30 extra, while those travelling in Mail/Express AC classes will also have to spend Rs 30 more per ticket, according to railways.

Anish Mondal

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

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