By Odishatv Bureau
The Indian Railways has rolled out a revised fare regime starting July 1 2025 as part of a fare rationalisation drive to support long-term financial viability while safeguarding affordability for everyday travellers.
This marks the first hike in passenger fares since 2020 with minimal increases for long-distance and AC-class travellers while keeping short-distance and non-AC commuters largely unaffected.
This move by the Narendra Modi government is part of a broader effort to make the national transporter financially sustainable without heavily burdening daily passengers.
Key Highlights of Fare Revision
Ordinary Non‑AC Second/Sleeper/First Class
0ndash500 km No fare rise
501ndash1500 km Rs 5 added
1501ndash2500 km Rs 10 added
2501ndash3000 km Rs 15 added
Sleeper First Class in similar zones see a modest 0.5 paisa/km surge
Mail/Express Non‑AC Second Sleeper First Class
Uniform rise of 1 paisa/km across these classes
AC Classes Mail/Express Premium Trains
Includes AC Chair Car 3AC/3E 2AC 1AC/Executive Executive Anubhuti and premium trains Rajdhani Shatabdi Vande Bharat Tejas etc.
2 paise/km hike across all AC tiers
PassengersExempted
Suburban services No fare change
Monthly/season tickets Remain intact
Short-distance second-class journeys le 500 km No revision
Additional Charges Booking Changes
– Reservation fees superfast surcharges GST and fare rounding remain unaffected
– From July 1 Tatkal bookings require Aadhaar-based OTP verification enhancing booking transparency
– Reservation charts will be prepared 8 hours before departure instead of 4 hours
Tickets Booked Earlier Remain Valid At Old Prices
In sum this fare rationalisation introduces marginal hikes focused on longer distances and AC travel aiming to balance passenger affordability and the railwaysrsquo financial health while maintaining service quality.