Indian Railways to Hike Long-Distance Ticket Prices from Dec 26, Aims for ₹600 Crore Revenue Boost

Indian Railways has announced a revised fare structure effective from December 26, 2025, introducing minor hikes for long-distance travel. The updated fares are estimated to generate an additional ₹600 crore in revenue. 

Revised Fare Hike Details for Long-Distance Routes 

Passengers travelling beyond 215 km will witness a nominal fare increase. The hike includes 1 paisa per km for Ordinary Class and 2 paise per km for Mail and Express trains, including both Non-AC and AC classes. As an example, a 500 km journey in Non-AC class will now cost ₹10 more. 

No change in ticket prices has been made for journeys under 215 km or for suburban and monthly season ticket holders. This approach aims to maintain affordability for daily and short-route commuters, particularly those from low and middle-income groups. 

Revenue Impact from Revised Fare 

The Railway Ministry projects the fare hike to bring an approximate revenue gain of ₹600 crore. This follows a previous fare adjustment made in July 2025, which has already contributed ₹700 crore in additional earnings.  

These fare reforms are aimed at strengthening operational efficiencies while ensuring minimal burden on passengers. 

Read More: Indian Railways Enhances Track Speed: 79% Network at 110 kmph or More! 

Christmas and New Year Special Trains Announced 

In preparation for high passenger traffic during the festive season, Indian Railways is operating 244 special train trips across 8 zones.  

These include popular corridors like Delhi, Howrah, Lucknow, Mumbai, and Goa. Additional trains have been introduced on routes such as Mumbai–Nagpur and Pune–Sanganer to minimise crowding and improve comfort. 

Key Infrastructure and Modernisation Updates 

Indian Railways also highlighted infrastructure progress, including 100% land acquisition for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad bullet train project in Maharashtra. Between 2014 and 2025, the ministry has procured around 2,00,000 wagons and over 10,000 locomotives.  

Under the Gati Shakti Multi-Modal Cargo Terminal policy, 118 such terminals have been commissioned with a total traffic capacity of 192 MTPA. Moreover, 99.1% of the Broad Gauge network has now been electrified. 

Conclusion 

The Indian Railways’ ticket price hike from December 26, 2025, targets enhanced revenue of ₹600 crore, affecting only long-distance passengers. The fare change accompanies special seasonal services and ongoing infrastructure developments across the network. 

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