The journey of rail can be expensive from July 1. The fares of non-AC mail/express trains may increase by 1 paise per kilometer and AC class fares by 2 paise per kilometer. The Economic Times has given this information quoting sources.
All changes will be applicable from 1 July. On booking tickets after this date, fare will have to be paid from new rates. Railways last increased passenger fare in 2020.
Question 1: Why did Indian Railways decide to hike ticket prices?
Answer: The government had not made any changes in the railway ticket prices for 5 years. This decision has been taken in view of the increasing expenses in front of the railway and the cost of maintenance. However, this increase is very modest, so that the common passengers do not get much burden.
Question 2: How much will the ticket prices increase?
Answer: Railways has increased the fares of non-AC mail/express trains by 1 paise per kilometer. At the same time, there will be an increase of 2 paise per kilometer for AC class (eg AC 2-Tier, AC 3-Tier).
That is, if you are traveling 500 km, you may have to pay 5 rupees more in non-AC and 10 rupees more in AC. On the journey of 1000 km, now you have to pay 20 rupees in AC and 10 rupees more in non AC.
Question 3: Will the fare of all trains increase?
Answer: No, this increase will not apply to all trains. There has been no increase for traveling up to 500 km in second class. That is, most of the passengers traveling for short distance will have to pay the same fare as before. If there is more than 500 kilometers distance, you will have to pay half a kilometer more per kilometer.
Apart from this, fresh updates will also be found on the IRCTC website or app. If you have any doubt related to immediate booking or rent, you can call the helpline number 139 of the railway.
Question 5: Has the Railways made any more changes recently?
Answer: Yes, Railways has also changed the rules of Tatkal ticket booking. Aadhaar verification will be necessary to book Tatkal tickets from 1 July 2025. That is, your Aadhaar card should be linked to book Tatkal tickets from IRCTC website or app. Also, during immediate booking from 15 July 2025, Aadhaar-Based OTP verification will also have to be done. The aim is to ensure that the Tatkal tickets are given to the right passengers, not the brokers.
