KKN Gurugram Desk | Indian Railways is planning to introduce a hike in the ticket prices for both AC and non-AC express, mail, and second-class trains, starting from July 1, 2025. The proposed fare increase will apply to journeys longer than 500 kilometers, with a slight increase in the fare per kilometer for both non-AC and AC coaches. However, this fare hike will not impact passengers traveling shorter distances. The proposal is currently awaiting approval from the Ministry of Railways.

Details of the Proposed Fare Increase

The fare hike, which has been under consideration for a while, is expected to come into effect on July 1, 2025. According to the new fare policy, passengers traveling in non-AC coaches will see an increase of 1 paise per kilometer, while passengers in AC coaches will have to pay an additional 2 paise per kilometer. This increase will specifically affect passengers traveling long distances, and the fare hike will only apply to those journeys over 500 kilometers.

It is important to note that passengers traveling for short distances, typically under 500 kilometers, will not face any additional charges, as the fare structure for short-distance travel will remain the same.

Impact of the Fare Increase on Different Classes of Travel

As per the proposal, the fare hike will primarily affect passengers traveling in the express, mail, and second-class categories. Here’s a breakdown of how the fare increase will affect different categories of passengers:

1. Second-Class Passengers:
   Passengers traveling in second-class coaches for journeys over 500 kilometers will need to pay an additional half paise per kilometer. This is expected to be a minimal increase but will affect long-distance commuters.

2. Non-AC Mail and Express Trains:
   For passengers traveling in non-AC coaches of express and mail trains, the fare will increase by 1 paise per kilometer. This fare hike will apply to passengers traveling over 500 kilometers and is expected to impact those taking longer journeys.

3. AC Coaches:
   Passengers traveling in AC coaches will see the most significant increase. The fare hike will be 2 paise per kilometer for journeys longer than 500 kilometers. Given that AC coaches are generally preferred by long-distance travelers, this increase will have a noticeable impact on their travel costs.

Exemption for Short-Distance Travelers

The fare hike will not affect passengers traveling shorter distances. Specifically, those traveling within 500 kilometers will continue to pay the same fare without any changes. This ensures that regular commuters and those traveling for daily or routine work do not bear the burden of higher ticket prices. The fare increase will only apply to long-distance travelers, particularly those taking express or mail trains in both AC and non-AC coaches.

Waiting for Ministry’s Approval

The fare increase proposal was drafted by the Railway Board and has already been submitted to the Ministry of Railways for approval. However, as of now, the proposal has not been officially approved by the Ministry. Once the Ministry of Railways gives its approval, the new fares will be applicable starting July 1, 2025.

The Railway Ministry’s approval is crucial for the implementation of the fare hike, and it will likely take some time before an official confirmation is made. Once approved, the new fares will apply across the railway network for all applicable routes and trains.

How This Fare Increase Affects Indian Railway Passengers

The planned fare hike, although small in terms of per-kilometer rates, is expected to have a significant cumulative effect on passengers, especially those traveling long distances. This change comes after several years of relatively stable train fares, making it a noteworthy development for those who rely on trains for intercity travel.

For passengers in non-AC coaches, the minimal increase in fare (1 paise per kilometer) may not seem like much individually, but for regular long-distance travelers, these small increases can add up over time. Similarly, the fare hike in AC coaches will impact passengers more due to the higher base fares of AC train tickets. Given the popularity of AC coaches for long-distance travel, this change is expected to raise concerns among many passengers who already pay a premium for AC travel.

Why the Fare Increase is Necessary

Indian Railways has been facing financial challenges for years, with rising operational costs, infrastructure maintenance, and the need for modernization. The fare increase is being proposed as a part of an effort to balance the budget and provide better services while addressing the increasing costs faced by the national transporter.

The Railway Ministry has indicated that the fare hike is necessary to meet the increasing operational expenses, as well as to improve the quality of services and infrastructure. The additional revenue generated from this fare increase will help fund new projects, upgrade train facilities, and maintain the railway network, ensuring better services for the long-term sustainability of Indian Railways.

Passenger Reactions and Public Opinion

While the Railway Ministry has justified the fare hike, it is likely to face backlash from passengers who may already be facing economic pressures due to rising costs of living. Train travel is one of the most affordable modes of transport for the Indian population, especially for long-distance travel, and any increase in fares is likely to draw criticism from various quarters.

Many passengers may view this hike as an additional burden, particularly given the economic difficulties faced by the public in recent years. Commuters in non-AC classes and second-class coaches, who form the majority of long-distance rail passengers, may find it challenging to absorb even a small fare hike in the long run.

The proposed fare hike by Indian Railways is a significant change that will affect passengers traveling long distances on express, mail, and second-class trains. With the new fare policy likely to be implemented from July 1, 2025, passengers will see a modest increase in ticket prices, particularly for journeys over 500 kilometers. The Railway Ministry’s decision to implement this fare hike is based on the growing operational costs faced by Indian Railways, as well as the need to fund infrastructure improvements and modernization projects.

While the fare increase is unlikely to affect short-distance commuters, it will be an additional cost burden for those traveling long distances. The public’s reaction to this increase remains to be seen, and the government will need to balance the need for revenue with passenger concerns about affordability.