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Train fare increase, Indian Railways fare hike: The long-distance train travel is set to get costlier from Friday, December 26, marking the second fare hike in the past six months. The Ministry of Railways said the increase was necessary to meet the rising manpower costs. It also noted that over the past decade, Indian Railways has significantly expanded its network and operations, reaching even the remotest corners of the country.
Indian Railways fare classes explained, Indian Railways fare per kilometer
Under the revised train fares, the passengers travelling up to 500 km in non-AC coaches will have to pay an additional Rs 10. The national transporter has increased fares for Mail and Express trains in non-AC coaches by 2 paise per km, while AC class fares have also been raised by 2 paise per km. In a statement, it said the fare rationalisation is expected to generate around Rs 600 crore in additional revenue this year.
Effective from December 26, 2025
Railway Fare Rationalization Details
No Increase in Fare
• Suburban and Monthly Season Ticket
• Ordinary Class up to 215 km
Fare Increase Details
• Ordinary Class (more than 215 km) – 1 paise per km
• Mail/Express Non-AC – 2 paise per km
• AC class – 2 paise per km
Railways will earn about ₹600 crore this year as a result of this rationalisation
Example: 500 km Journey
For a 500 km journey in non-AC coaches, passengers will have to pay only ₹10 extra
Source: Ministry of Railways
Express InfoGenIE
Indian Railways fare calculator
Source: Ministry of Railways
Indian Railways fare chart 2025
As Indian Railways’ new fare chart 2025 comes into effect from December 26, here’s a look at how the train fare hike will impact passengers travelling on two of the busiest routes: Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah.
Delhi-Howrah train fare, Delhi to Howrah all train list
According to IRCTC, Indian Railways operates over five regular trains, including premium services, on the Delhi–Howrah route. These include the NDLS–Howrah Rajdhani Express, NDLS–Sealdah Rajdhani Express, NDLS–Howrah Duronto Express, NDLS–Howrah Poorva Express, and the Kalka–Howrah Netaji Express.
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After the Indian Railways fare hike, passengers travelling between Delhi and Howrah (Kolkata), a distance of around 1,441 km – will have to pay more across classes while booking tickets. For Ordinary (General) class, the fare will increase by Rs 15. In Mail/Express non-AC classes, passengers will pay Rs 30 extra, while Mail/Express AC class travellers will also have to spend Rs 30 more per ticket, according to railways.
Delhi-Mumbai train, Delhi-Mumbai train ticket price
According to IRCTC, Indian Railways operates more than 15 trains, including premium services such as the Mumbai Central Tejas Rajdhani, Hazrat Nizamuddin–Madgaon Rajdhani, and Hazrat Nizamuddin–Mumbai Central Rajdhani Express, on the Delhi–Mumbai route, among others.
Following the Indian Railways fare hike, passengers travelling between Delhi and Mumbai, a distance of 1,365 km – will have to pay higher fares across classes while booking tickets.
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The fare for Ordinary (General) class will increase by Rs 15. In Mail/Express non-AC classes, passengers will pay Rs 30 extra, while those travelling in Mail/Express AC classes will also have to spend Rs 30 more per ticket, according to railways.
