What is the story about?
Affordable Premium Train Ticket: Trains always continue to capture our hearts. The distant whistle and steady wheels of a train are etched in our memory
forever, and for every Indian traveler, the journey becomes a story, a memory more than nostalgia. If you are rail buff and currently planning to book a premium train then you have landed on the right page. Also, are you looking out for fares that too at an affordable and lowest rates to book one of these trains – Tejas, Shatabdi, Vande Bharat or Gatimaan? Let’s take a look at the comparisons to cater to your choice.
Tejas Express
According to EaseMy Trip’s website, presently, Tejas Express train fares range from Rs 1,060 to Rs 3,260. These fares usually vary depending on the route, class and dynamic pricing.
Shatabdi Express
The price of Shatabdi Express train ticket may vary from Rs 805 to Rs 2590 per head depending upon the diverse factors, including the distance and the journey from origin to destination, according to EaseMy Trip’s website.
Apart from this, base fares, dynamic prices and reservation prices are also included.
Vande Bharat Express
The price of Vande Bharat Express may vary from Rs 900 to Rs 3,355 depending on the route distance and class, according to redBus website. However, the final fare for Vande Bharat Express will be a combination of the base fare, dynamic pricing adjustments, reservation fees and any applicable concessions.
Gatimaan Express
Gatimaan Express ticket prices from Hazrat Nizamuddin to VGL Jhansi Jn vary from Rs 1125 to Rs 2,280, depending on the class of travel, according to redBus website.
Union Budget 2026–27: Government’s High Speed Rail Push
The Union Budget 2026–27 placed Indian Railways at the centre of the country’s infrastructure growth story, with a focus on improving financial stability, tightening cost structures and expanding capacity through high-speed corridors.
While large investments continue, the challenge for Railways remains balancing rising operational costs with sustainable revenue growth from passengers and freight.
Net Revenue Sees a Comeback in FY27
Indian Railways’ net revenue is expected to rebound in 2026–27 after a volatile phase over the past two years.
2024–25: Rs 2660 crore
2025–26 (BE): Rs 3041 crore
2025–26 (RE): Rs 1957 crore
2026–27 (BE): Rs 3000 crore
After slipping sharply in the revised estimates for 2025–26, the Budget projects a recovery to Rs 3,000 crore in FY27. The improvement signals the government’s push to offset higher operating costs with stronger passenger movement and freight volumes.
Operating Ratio Still Signals Tight Margins
The operating ratio shows how much Railways spends to earn every rupee, and it continues to stay close to the red zone.
2024–25: 98.22 per cent
2025–26 (BE): 98.43 per cent
2025–26 (RE): 98.82 per cent
2026–27 (BE): 98.40 per cent
A ratio near 98 percent means Railways spends about Rs 98 to earn Rs 100, leaving little surplus for expansion and safety upgrades. Although FY27 shows a marginal improvement, efficiency gains remain a key area of focus for the government.
Receipts and Expenses Rise in Tandem
Railways’ scale of operations continues to expand, with both receipts and working expenses moving higher almost at the same pace.
2024–25
Gross traffic receipts: Rs 265114 crore
Working expenses: Rs 260769 crore
2025–26 (BE)
Receipts: Rs 301400 crore
Expenses: Rs 296359 crore
2025–26 (RE)
Receipts: Rs 278257 crore
Expenses: Rs 274500 crore
2026–27 (BE)
Receipts: Rs 301700 crore
Expenses: Rs 296500 crore
The FY27 projections point to higher income, but expenses continue to track closely, keeping operating surplus modest and reinforcing the need for cost discipline.
Passenger and Freight Remain Revenue Engines
Passenger and freight services continue to power Railways’ earnings, with freight retaining its dominance.
2024–25
Passenger: Rs 75,368 crore
Freight: Rs 1,71,163 crore
2025–26 (BE)
Passenger: Rs 92,800 crore
Freight: Rs 1,88,000 crore
2025–26 (RE)
Passenger: Rs 80000 crore
Freight: Rs 178457 crore
2026–27 (BE)
Passenger: Rs 87,300 crore
Freight: Rs 1,88,800 crore
