Train Fares Go Up from July 1; Long-Distance Travel to Cost More

Dipanjan Mondal

New Delhi, June 30:

The Ministry of Railways has updated the basic fare structure for passenger train services starting July 1, 2025. The new fare table from the Indian Railway Conference Association (IRCA) shows a small increase in long-distance travel fares for various classes, while suburban and season ticket fares stay the same.

The official notice states that there will be no fare increase for ordinary second-class travel up to 500 kilometres. For trips beyond that distance, there is a small hike: ₹5 for distances between 501 and 1500 km, ₹10 for 1501 to 2500 km, and ₹15 for the 2501 to 3000 km range.

For ordinary (non-suburban) passenger trains, the basic fare for second class has increased by half a paisa per kilometre, based on the distance slabs mentioned earlier. Sleeper and first class fares in the same category will also increase by 0.5 paisa per kilometre.

For mail and express trains (non-AC), the fares for second class, sleeper, and first class have uniformly risen by one paisa per kilometre. For AC classes—including AC Chair Car, AC 3-Tier, 2-Tier, and First/Executive Class—the increase is two paisa per kilometre.

The new fares will apply to all categories of passenger trains, including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Jan Shatabdi, Mahamana, Gatimaan, Yuva Express, Antyodaya, and Anubhuti/Vistadome coaches.

Reservation fees, superfast surcharges, and other additional charges will remain the same. GST will continue to be applied according to existing rules, and fare rounding procedures will also stay the same.

These changes will affect tickets booked on or after July 1. Tickets bought before this date will still be valid at the current fare, and no adjustments will occur. The Ministry has instructed all Zonal Railways to ensure smooth implementation, including updates to ticketing systems and public fare displays at stations.