Train travel in India is set to become a little more expensive from December 26. Indian Railways has revised passenger fares once again this year. This time, the increase mainly affects AC travellers and passengers using Mail and Express trains.

Under the new fare structure, Railways has added 2 paise per kilometre for AC classes and non-AC Mail and Express trains. This means if you travel 500 kilometres in a non-AC coach, you will now pay around ₹10 extra.

This is the second fare hike in the current financial year. Earlier, Railways revised fares in July.

However, there is some relief for daily and short-distance travellers. Suburban train services and Monthly Season Tickets (MSTs) will see no fare increase at all. These categories serve the largest number of passengers across the country.

Also, ordinary class passengers travelling up to 215 kilometres will not pay anything extra. Railway officials say this step aims to protect short-distance travellers and economically weaker sections.

For longer journeys in ordinary class, fares will go up by 1 paise per kilometre beyond 215 km. Meanwhile, both non-AC Mail and Express classes and AC coaches will see a hike of 2 paise per kilometre.

According to officials, this fare adjustment could help Indian Railways earn around ₹600 crore during the current year.

Railway authorities explained the reason behind the decision. Over the past decade, Railways has expanded rapidly. It now runs more trains, operates at higher speeds, and invests heavily in safety. Because of this, manpower needs have grown sharply.

For now, the impact on most travellers remains minimal. Still, those planning long journeys in AC or Express trains should be ready to pay just a little more.