Railways To Increase Train Ticket Prices From July 1, Say Sources; Check Details

The Indian Railways is likely to hike fares for certain passenger trains from July 1, NDTV reported on Tuesday, citing sources. It is going to be the first hike in passenger train fares in many years. 

According to NDTV, prices for non-AC Mail/Express passenger trains will be increased by one paisa per kilometre from July. AC-class passengers will see a hike of two paise per kilometre in ticket prices.

However, the new fare structure will not have any impact on suburban tickets, the report added. The fares will remain unchanged for second-class travel of up to 500 km. For distances exceeding 500 km, the ticket fare will be hiked by half a paisa per kilometre, the NDTV report mentioned, citing sources.

The Monthly Season Ticket (MST) will continue to be available at old rates.

The hike in train ticket prices is aimed at improving the services provided by the India Railways, while minimising the impact on the passengers, the source revealed.

Earlier in June, Indian Railways announced the need for mandatory Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal train bookings from July 1. It said that the move will benefit the common end users.

The notification dated June 10 said, “With effect from 01-07-2025, tickets under Tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/ its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users."

The Railway Ministry has announced that passengers will need to use Aadhaar-based OTP verification for Tatkal bookings from July 15. The new rules stipulate limitations for authorised booking agents when it comes to making Tatkal bookings.

The booking agents are prevented from booking Tatkal tickets on the first day during the initial half-hour. For AC-class bookings, this restriction is applicable from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. For non-AC bookings, the timing is from 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.