Winning Bizness Desk
Mumbai.Indian Railways is all set to revise passenger fares from July 1, 2025. The fares for mail and express trains will see a minor increase of 1 paisa per kilometer for non-AC coaches and 2 paise per kilometer for AC classes. This move comes after a five-year gap and is aimed at offsetting rising operational and maintenance costs. Officials maintain that the hike is minimal and will not burden common passengers significantly.
Impact on journeys of 500 to 1000 km
This fare revision will mostly affect medium and long-distance travelers. For example, passengers covering 500 km will pay ₹5 more in non-AC and ₹10 extra in AC coaches. For 1000 km, the additional fare goes up to ₹10 for non-AC and ₹20 for AC classes. This revision is expected to help the Railways manage increasing costs while keeping the hike affordable for passengers.
No increase for short-distance travel
The fare hike will not apply to all train categories. Second-class passengers travelling up to 500 kilometers will not see any change in fares. This decision ensures relief for daily or short-distance commuters who use the rail network frequently. For distances beyond 500 km, a half-paisa per km hike may apply to some second-class routes.
Tatkal booking rules also changed
From July 1, booking Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC website or app will require Aadhaar linkage. Starting July 15, Aadhaar-based OTP verification will also be mandatory during Tatkal bookings. This is being introduced to curb misuse of the emergency quota and ensure genuine passengers receive access to last-minute tickets.
Where to check updated fares
The updated fare chart is not yet live on the official website but will be uploaded soon. Passengers can visit [www.indianrail.gov.in](http://www.indianrail.gov.in) or use the IRCTC app for the latest information. For further queries, passengers can also call the railway helpline number 139 for assistance.
7-Point Summary
1. Train fares to increase from July 1 after five years
2. 2 paise/km hike in AC; 1 paisa/km in non-AC fares
3. ₹5 to ₹20 rise for 500–1000 km journeys
4. No fare hike for short-distance second-class travel
5. Aadhaar linking mandatory for Tatkal ticket booking
6. From July 15, OTP-based Aadhaar verification must
7. Info available soon on railway website, IRCTC app, and helpline 139
