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Railway new fare from Dec 26: The railways have announced a new revised fare structure that will come into effect from December 26, 2025. According to ANI,
under the revised fare system, passengers travelling up to 500 km in non-AC coaches will be charged an extra Rs 10. However, this fare revision will not apply to suburban (local) services and monthly season tickets (MSTs). There will be no increase in fares for journeys up to 215 km in ordinary class. This is the second fare hike implemented by Indian Railways in the current financial year. The previous fare increase was implemented in July.
Railway new fare from Dec 26: Check revised prices
In the revised fare system, passengers travelling up to 500 km in non-AC coaches will be charged an extra Rs 10. However, this fare revision will not apply to suburban (local) services and monthly season tickets (MSTs). There will be no increase in fares for journeys up to 215 km in ordinary class. Indian Railways expects to earn approximately Rs 600 crore this year as a result of this fare rationalisation.
Officials cited by ToI said that over the last decade, Indian Railways has significantly expanded its network and operations. With more train services, higher speeds, and a strong focus on safety, manpower requirements have increased substantially. As a result, manpower costs have risen to Rs 1.18 lakh crore, while pension liabilities have increased to Rs 65,000 crore. For the 2024–25 financial year, the total cost of operations has reached Rs 2.63 lakh crore.
Officials said that to manage these rising costs, the railway is focusing on increasing cargo loading in addition to making adjustments to limited passenger fares, ToI reported.
Over the past decade, the railways have significantly expanded their network and operations, reaching even the remotest parts of the country. To support this increased level of operations and further enhance safety, the railways are increasing their workforce. “Consequently, manpower cost has increased to Rs 1,15,000 crore. Pension cost has increased to Rs 60,000 crore. Total cost of operations has increased to Rs 2,63,000 crore in 2024–25,” it said in a statement.
