New Delhi:
In India, the cost of long-distance train travel rose on Friday as the Ministry of Railways hiked ticket prices for the second time in half a year. The ministry stated that the increase in train fares was aimed at achieving a balance between passenger affordability and operational sustainability.
In the updated fare system, the prices for suburban services and season tickets, covering both suburban and non-suburban routes, remain unchanged.
The updated fares will only apply to tickets purchased on or after December 26. Tickets bought before this date will not incur any extra fees, even if the travel occurs after the implementation date, according to the ministry.
Here's the Additional Cost for Train Travel:
Regular Second Class
For distances up to 215 km, there is no increase. For 216-750 km, the increase is Rs 5. For 751-1,250 km, the increase is Rs 10. For 1,251-1,750 km, the increase is Rs 15. For 1,751-2,250 km, the increase is Rs 20.
Sleeper Class Ordinary, First Class Ordinary
1 paisa per km has been increased
Mail and Fast trains
The fare has been raised by 2 paise per kilometer for both non-AC and AC classes, covering Sleeper Class, First Class, AC Chair Car, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier, and AC First Class. Consequently, passengers traveling 500 kilometers in non-AC Mail/Express coaches will incur an additional cost of approximately Rs 10.
The revised ticket prices will be applicable to key train services such as Tejas Rajdhani, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Tejas, Mahamana, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail.
Train reservation fees and superfast surcharges remain unchanged
The ministry stated that reservation fees, superfast surcharges, and other additional charges will remain unchanged and will continue to be applied according to current regulations. It also mentioned that GST applicability stays the same, and fares will still be rounded off following existing norms.
The updated fare system represents a balanced strategy that ensures passenger comfort while preserving operational viability, it stated.