NEW DELHI: The increase in train ticket prices in the country will be effective from July 1. The fare increase is applicable to all categories of trains, including the premium train Vande Bharat. The Railway Board released the list of fare increases, and instructions have been given to all Chief Commercial Managers.

The fare per kilometre in AC coaches will increase by two paise, and for second-class tickets by one paise. The increase will not apply to ordinary non-AC tickets up to 500 km. The increase will be 2 paise for AC class 3 tier, chair car, 2 tier and first class. The increase will be half a paise for non-AC and ordinary trains, but this will not apply to tickets for the first 500 km. The increase will be Rs 10 for journeys between 1500 and 2500 km and Rs 15 for tickets between 2501 and 3000 km.

The fares for sleeper class and ordinary tickets were increased by half a paise per kilometre. The fares for mail and express classes in non-AC coaches have been increased by one paise each. However, the Railway Board has announced that those who have already booked tickets need not pay this additional fare.

The sudden move from the Railway comes after considering the slew of upcoming projects like the modernisation of trains, the doubling of tracks, the development of infrastructure, construction of Amrit Bharat stations.

The Railways recently issued an order making Aadhaar OTP mandatory for Tatkal tickets from July 1. The move was aimed at stopping the practice of illegally booking more tickets and selling them at higher prices on the black market. The new change is also aimed at preventing people from buying tickets in bulk.