Indian Railways Rationalises Passenger Fare Structure from December 26, 2025; Suburban, Season Tickets and Second Class up to 215 km Exempted

Indian Railways implemented a rationalised passenger fare structure effective from December 26, 2025, introducing graduated increases across most classes while protecting low-income commuters and suburban travellers. Under the revised structure, Ordinary Non-AC second class journeys up to 215 kilometres face no fare increase. For longer ordinary class journeys, passengers pay ₹5 extra for 216-750 km, ₹10 for 751-1,250 km, ₹15 for 1,251-1,750 km and ₹20 for 1,751-2,250 km distances. Sleeper class and First Class passengers in Non-AC Ordinary trains pay an additional 1 paisa per kilometre uniformly. For Mail and Express trains, fares rise by 2 paise per kilometre across all Non-AC and AC classes — including Sleeper, First Class, AC Chair Car, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier and AC First Class. The Railways explicitly retained existing fares for suburban services and Season Tickets on both suburban and non-suburban routes, stating the move was designed to shield affordability for low- and middle-income families and daily commuters. The new rates apply only to tickets booked on or after December 26, 2025; tickets booked earlier retain their original fare even if the journey occurs after the effective date. Reservation fees, superfast surcharges, ancillary charges, GST applicability and fare-rounding methods remain unchanged. The rationalisation represents the first structural revision in several years and is expected to provide modest additional revenue for network modernisation while limiting the burden on economically weaker commuters.