Railways Likely To Hike Fares From July 1. Check Details
According to the proposal, there will be no fare increase for ordinary second-class passengers travelling up to 500 km.
The Indian Railways is expected to implement a modest fare hike across various classes of long-distance trains, including AC and non-AC Mail and Express services, starting July 1. However, suburban train fares and Monthly Season Ticket (MST) prices will remain unchanged, TOI reported citing sources.
The upcoming revision is designed to offset rising operational costs without heavily impacting passengers. "This is not going to create a big hole in passengers’ pockets,” an official assured while talking to The New Indian Express, emphasising that the fare hike will be marginal.
According to the proposal, there will be no fare increase for ordinary second-class passengers travelling up to 500 km. For distances beyond that, a nominal hike of half a paisa per km may be introduced for second-class travel.
AC and Mail/Express Trains To See Slight Hike
Passengers travelling on non-AC Mail and Express trains could see an increase of 1 paisa per km, while those booking AC class tickets may have to pay an extra 2 paisa per km. Given that over 13,000 Mail and Express trains operate daily in the country, the adjustment aims to generate additional revenue while keeping the hike minimal.
Importantly, the railways have opted not to raise fares for suburban routes or season ticket holders. This move is intended to shield daily commuters and short-distance travellers from additional expenses.
The fare revision, pending final approval, is part of Indian Railways' broader strategy to balance affordability for passengers with the rising costs of running and maintaining one of the world’s largest railway networks.
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