Archive · 22 Dec 2025
Railways to Hike Passenger Fares from December 26
The Ministry of Railways has announced that train ticket prices for AC, sleeper, and second class will go up starting December 26, 2025.
The increase is 2 paisa per km for AC classes, 2 paisa per km for non-AC Mail/Express, and 1 paisa per km for second class in ordinary trains for distances over 215 km.
Suburban train fares and monthly season tickets will not change.
This change is expected to bring in about Rs 600 crore more for the Railways.
The Railways says this is needed to cover the costs of running the trains and to make more money from passengers.
However, Kerala Minister V Sivankutty criticized the move, saying it would severely affect common people, workers, and students, especially those traveling long distances for work and education.
He demanded that the decision be withdrawn in the larger interest of the people.
Passenger fares for AC, sleeper, and second class will increase from December 26, 2025.
Increase rates: 2 paisa per km for AC classes, 2 paisa per km for non-AC Mail/Express, and 1 paisa per km for second class (ordinary trains, distances > 215 km).
Suburban train fares and monthly season tickets will remain unchanged.
Expected additional revenue of Rs 600 crore for the remaining months of the 2025-2026 financial year.
The fare increase is aimed at balancing rising operational costs, including higher manpower and pension expenses, and to improve safety and operations, but criticized for burdening common people.
- Who
- Ministry of Railways, Kerala Minister V Sivankutty
- What
- Increase in passenger fares for AC, sleeper, and second class
- When
- Effective from December 26, 2025
- Where
- Across India
- Why
- To generate additional revenue and meet operational costs, but criticized for burdening common people
Railways
Passengers
Fare Increase Necessity
Railways
The fare increase is necessary to balance rising operational costs, including higher manpower and pension expenses, and to improve safety and operations.
Passengers
Passengers may argue that the fare increase will add to their travel expenses, especially for longer journeys, and could impact their travel plans.
Impact on Common People
Railways
The fare hike is aimed at generating additional revenue to meet operational costs and improve services.
Passengers
The increase will place a heavy financial burden on ordinary citizens, workers, and students who depend on long-distance train travel for employment and educational purposes.
- Effective Date
- December 26, 2025
- AC Classes Increase
- 2 paisa per km
- Non-AC (Mail/Express) Increase
- 2 paisa per km
- Second Class (Ordinary) Increase
- 1 paisa per km (for distances > 215 km)
- Suburban Fares
- No increase
- Expected Additional Revenue
- Rs 600 crore
- Last Fare Revision
- July 1, 2025
- AC Classes Contribution
- 54% of total passenger revenues
- Manpower Cost
- Rs 1,15,000 crore
- Pension Cost
- Rs 60,000 crore
- Total Operational Cost
- Rs 2,63,000 crore (2024-25)
Sources
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