Train tickets to cost more from December 26, passengers travelling in AC coaches and non-AC will have to pay more

NEW DELHI: The Indian Railways have revised the ticket fares. The new fares, which are expected to generate an additional revenue of around Rs 600 crore, will come into effect from December 26. However, it is learnt that this will not adversely affect ordinary passengers and low-income earners.

According to the new order, one paise per kilometre will be charged for journeys above 215 km in ordinary classes. The increase has been increased by two paisa per kilometre in non-AC and AC classes of mail and express trains. The fare hike will not apply to those travelling below 215 km. That is, a person travelling 500 km in a non-AC coach will have to pay only Rs 10 extra.

The main reason for the fare hike is the increase in the cost of the railways. Presently, the railways need Rs 1,15,000 crore in the salary of employees alone. The expense for pension is Rs 60,000 crore. The total operating expenditure of the Railways has increased to Rs 2,63,000crore in the financial year 2024-25. To overcome this additional liability, the authorities have announced that they have made minor changes in passenger fares along with increasing freight movement.