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When did Indian Railways last hike passenger fares

Indian Railways Fare Hike: Indian Railways is considered as the cheapest mode of transport compared to road and air travel. This raises an important question: when did it last revise its passenger fares?

3 min readUpdated: Dec 21, 2025 05:23 PM IST

The national transporter expects to generate around Rs 600 crore in additional revenue this year through this rationalisation. (Image generated using AI/Gemini)

Indian Railways fare hike details, IRCTC Train Ticket Price Hike: The Ministry of Railways has increased passenger fares for long-distance trains across the country w.e.f December 26, 2025. The national transporter expects to generate around Rs 600 crore in additional revenue this year through this rationalisation.

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Indian Railways fare hike news

Indian Railways is considered as the cheapest mode of transport compared to road and air travel. This raises an important question: when did it last revise its passenger fares?

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Indian Railways fare increase, Train fare increase

The national transporter last revised passenger fares on July 1, 2025. At that time, there was also no changes in suburban single-journey fares or Season Tickets for both suburban and non-suburban routes. In a statement, it added that the move was aimed at streamlining fare structures and enhancing financial sustainability of passenger services.

In July, the Second Class fares were increased by half a paisa per kilometre, subject to the condition that there was no increase for journeys up to 500 km; while fares rose by Rs 5 for distances between 501 and 1,500 km; Rs 10 for 1,501 to 2,500 km; and Rs 15 for journeys between 2,501 and 3,000 km.

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Fares for Sleeper Class and First Class were increased by 0.5 paisa per kilometre, while for Mail/Express trains (non-AC), Second Class, Sleeper Class and First Class fares were raised by 1 paisa per kilometre.

Meanwhile, fares for AC classes on Mail/Express trains, including AC Chair Car and AC 3-Tier/3-Economy, were increased by 2 paisa per kilometre in July 2025.

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Indian Railways train ticket fare increase history

Prior to that, the national transporter had increased passenger fares on January 1, 2020. At the time, it said the financial burden arising from the implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission had necessitated the rationalisation of fares.

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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