New Delhi, 25th June: Train fares in India are set to witness a marginal hike starting next month, the Ministry of Railways confirmed on Wednesday. Officials clarified that while the increase is minimal, it marks the first revision since January 2020.
As per the new fare structure, passengers travelling in non-AC Mail and Express trains will pay an additional 1 paisa per kilometre, while those opting for AC classes will be charged 2 paise more per kilometre. However, suburban train fares and monthly season tickets will remain unchanged, offering relief to daily commuters.
An official from the ministry told PTI, “As compared to the previous fare revisions in 2020 and 2013, the current increase is the lowest. Additionally, second-class fares for journeys up to 500 km will not be revised. Beyond that, only a half-paisa/km increase may be applicable.”
Historical Context
The last hike in train fares occurred on January 1, 2020, when second-class fares for ordinary and Mail/Express trains increased by 1 paisa/km and 2 paise/km respectively. Sleeper and AC classes saw a hike of 2 paise/km and 4 paise/km respectively. Prior to that, the 2013 revision saw a more substantial rise across all categories, with AC fares going up by 6 to 10 paise/km.
New Tatkal Booking Rules from July
In a separate development, the Ministry of Railways is introducing Aadhaar-based OTP authentication for online Tatkal bookings to curb misuse by touts and streamline the reservation system.
- From July 1, users booking Tatkal tickets via IRCTC’s official website and mobile app must be authenticated with Aadhaar.
- From July 15, Aadhaar OTP verification will become mandatory for all such online bookings.
- Tatkal tickets booked at PRS counters and through authorised agents will also require OTP authentication linked to the mobile number provided at the time of reservation.
Officials said this measure aims to increase transparency, reduce fraudulent bookings, and enhance convenience for genuine passengers.
