Train Fares to Increase from July 1: Know New Rates for AC & Non-AC Classes

New Delhi, 24th June 2025: Starting July 1, train travel in India is set to become marginally more expensive as the Ministry of Railways is set to increase fares for both non-AC and AC classes, sources told The Economic Times. This marks the first fare hike since 2020, aimed at offsetting rising operational and maintenance costs.

According to reports, fares for non-AC mail and express trains will increase by 1 paisa per kilometer, while AC class tickets will cost 2 paisa more per kilometer.

Who Will Be Affected?
Passengers booking tickets after July 1 will have to pay the revised rates. However, the increase has been designed to keep the impact on common travelers minimal.

“The government has avoided a fare hike for the past five years. This nominal increase is necessary for maintaining infrastructure and improving passenger services without placing too much burden on travelers,” said a railway official familiar with the development.

How Much Will You Pay?
The hike translates to modest increases depending on the journey distance:
For a 500 km trip, passengers in non-AC classes will pay ₹5 more, while AC passengers will see a ₹10 increase.
A 1,000 km journey will cost ₹10 more in non-AC and ₹20 more in AC classes.
Short-distance passengers in second class traveling up to 500 km will see no change in fare. For second-class journeys beyond 500 km, the increase is just half a paisa per km.

What Trains Are Covered Under the New Fares?
Not all trains will see a fare revision. The hike is limited to select mail and express trains. Suburban services and other special categories are not expected to be affected.

How to Access the Updated Fare Structure?
The Railway Ministry is expected to update the new fare chart on its official portal www.indianrail.gov.in. Information will also be made available on the IRCTC website and mobile app. For assistance, passengers can call the railway helpline 139.

Other Major Changes Effective from July
Alongside the fare revision, the Indian Railways is introducing Aadhaar verification for Tatkal ticket bookings starting July 1. As per the new rule:
Aadhaar linking will be mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets via IRCTC.

From July 15, OTP-based Aadhaar verification will also be required to authenticate the identity of the passenger.
The move is aimed at curbing misuse of the Tatkal booking system and ensuring that tickets go to genuine travelers.

Summary of Changes Effective July 1, 2025:
ChangeDetails
Fare Hike +1 paisa/km (non-AC), +2 paisa/km (AC)
Applies to Mail/Express trains only
No change Short-distance second class travel (up to 500 km)
Tatkal Booking Aadhaar linking mandatory
OTP Verification Begins from July 15, 2025