If you’re a frequent train traveller, here’s some important news. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian Railways is set to hike passenger fares — effective July 1, 2025. The fare revision will impact both non-AC and AC classes, while certain categories of travel remain unaffected.
Here’s a full breakdown of what’s changing and how it may impact your travel plans.
Fare Hike — What’s Changing?
As per reports in The Economic Times, the fare hike will apply as follows:
Non-AC mail/express trains: Increase of 1 paisa per kilometre
AC class: Increase of 2 paise per kilometre
Suburban fares: No change
Monthly season tickets: No change
Second class fares (up to 500 km): No change
Second class fares (beyond 500 km): Increase of half a paisa per kilometre
While the hike may seem marginal, it will have a noticeable impact on long-distance travellers, especially in AC classes.
Tatkal Ticket Booking — Aadhaar Verification Mandatory
In another key update, Indian Railways is introducing a major change in Tatkal ticket bookings to tackle misuse and ensure transparency.
Starting July 1, 2025, Aadhaar-based OTP verification will be mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets — whether online, at reservation counters, or through agents.
As per a directive issued on June 10, 2025, the move is aimed at ensuring that the benefits of the Tatkal scheme reach genuine passengers and to curb the long-standing issue of bulk bookings by touts.
This verification step applies across:
The Railways believes this will help ensure a fairer system for common travellers seeking confirmed Tatkal tickets.
Summary of Fare Changes Effective July 1, 2025:
Suburban fares: No increase
Monthly season tickets: No increase
Second class (up to 500 km): No increase
Second class (above 500 km): +0.5 paisa/km
Non-AC mail/express trains: +1 paisa/km
AC classes: +2 paise/km
Tatkal booking: Aadhaar OTP verification mandatory
Final Thoughts
With travel demand picking up post-pandemic, this fare revision by Indian Railways marks the first step towards rationalising operational costs. While the changes are moderate, regular travellers and long-distance passengers should factor in the revised fares and updated Tatkal booking rules when planning their journeys.
Stay tuned to IRCTC and Indian Railways’ official channels for further updates.