**Executive Summary**
This document provides the Ministry of Railways' response to a parliamentary question regarding the fare structure and affordability of Vande Bharat trains, specifically concerning the year 2025-26. The response addresses concerns about accessibility for middle and lower-income passengers, alignment with World Bank recommendations, and initiatives for inclusivity. The response was laid on the table of the House on 11.02.2026.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Train Services and Fare Considerations:**
* Indian Railways operates various train services catering to different segments of the public.
* Fare structures consider cost, value, service type, affordability, competition, and socio-economic factors.
* **Vande Bharat Services:**
* Vande Bharat services have expanded to 82 routes (164 services) as of January 2026.
* These trains operate as a distinct passenger segment with specific fare structures and enhanced features.
* There are no concessions on Vande Bharat fares, but four seats are reserved for persons with disabilities in each chair car.
* **Fare Comparison:**
* Indian Railways fares are among the lowest globally.
* Ordinary class fares compared to neighboring countries are:
* Pakistan: ~2.5x higher
* Bangladesh: ~2x higher
* Sri Lanka: ~2.5x higher
* Vande Bharat AC chair car fare for 300-400 km is around ₹2.19 per PKM. This is lower than similar services in China, Japan and France (₹7.00 to ₹20.00 per PKM).
* **Affordability and Subsidies:**
* The fare structure aims to keep Vande Bharat services affordable.
* High occupancy rates on major routes indicate strong passenger demand.
* FY 2023-24 subsidy on passenger travel is estimated at ₹60,466 Crore (45% subsidy).
**Impact Analysis**
**Passengers**
* **Impact:** The document aims to assure passengers that the Indian Railways is considering the needs of different socioeconomic backgrounds. The fare is set so that it is as low as possible.
* **Action Required:** None.
**Ministry of Railways**
* **Impact:** This document serves as an official response to concerns raised about Vande Bharat train fares and accessibility.
* **Action Required:** None.
Key Entities Referenced
Indian Railways (IR): The national railway system of India, responsible for operating various train services and setting fare structures.
Ministry of Railways: The government ministry responsible for the management of Indian Railways and its policies.
World Bank: Referenced for its recommendations on inclusive and affordable public transport systems.
Vande Bharat: A type of train service in India, the fare structure and affordability of which is the subject of the parliamentary question.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 175
TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.02.2026
FARE STRUCTURE/AFFORDABILITY OF VANDE BHARAT TRAINS
*175. ADV. CHANDRA SHEKHAR:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) the details of the current fare structure for Vande Bharat trains during
the year 2025–26 including average AC Chair Car and Executive Class
fares on major routes, comparison with regular Mail/Express trains
and passenger occupancy data (often near 100%) as of January 2026;
(b) the details of the steps taken to address widespread criticism that
high fares make Vande Bharat trains inaccessible to middle and
lower-income passengers, despite claims of premium modern travel;
(c) the manner in which the pricing policy aligns with World Bank
recommendations for inclusive and affordable public transport
systems and best practices from the world including Japan’s
Shinkansen and China's high speed rail which balance speed with
broader economic accessibility; and
(d) the details of the initiatives taken during the year 2025-26 to make
Vande Bharat more inclusive including any concessions, subsidised
tickets or special quotas for women, senior citizens or economically
weaker sections and their uptake?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (d): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
*****
§STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF STARRED
QUESTION NO.175 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.02.2026 IN LOK SABHA
(a) to (d) Indian Railways (IR) caters to various segments of the travelling
public and, accordingly, operates different types of train services like
Suburban/Non-suburban ordinary train services, Mail/Express, Amrit
Bharat, Vande Bharat, Vande Bharat Sleeper, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail,
Tejas, Humsafar, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto and Garib Rath services
etc.
Ministry of Railways while deciding the fare structure of various types of
passenger services gives due consideration to aspects like the cost of
service, value of service, type of services/facilities offered, affordability,
competition from other competing modes and socio-economic
considerations etc.
Vande Bharat services since its introduction in February 2019, have been
proliferated to 82 routes (164 train services) up to January 2026.
Vande Bharat trains operate as a distinct passenger service segment
having specific fare structure with features like improved suspension
systems, faster acceleration with semi-high speed operation, automatic
plug doors, ergonomics seats, mini pantry, CCTV’s, KAVACH etc.
The fares of Indian Railways are among the lowest in comparison to
other countries in the world.
A comparison of the Indian Railway passenger fares (ordinary class) with
the fares of the similar segment of services of the neighbouring
countries is as under:
Country Approx lowest fare per PKM Comparison with India
India ~ ₹ 0.20
Pakistan ~ ₹ 0.54 ~ 2.5x higher
Bangladesh ~ ₹ 0.37 ~ 2x higher
Sri Lanka ~ ₹ 0.51 ~ 2.5x higher
Keeping in view the affordability, the fare structure of Vande Bharat train
services is kept at level below the cost of service. The fare of Vande
Bharat AC chair car over a journey between 300 km to 400 km is around
₹2.19 per PKM which is much lower than the fares of similar segment ofservices in countries like China, Japan and France, where it ranges from
₹7.00 to ₹20.00 per PKM.
The rationalised fare structure has facilitated the wider expansion of
these services across the country reflecting strong passenger demand
for these services. Vande Bharat services have high occupancy level on
all major routes with occupancy of Vande Bharat near 100%
demonstrating a change in passenger preferences.
Indian Railways provides affordable transportation service to more than
720 crore passengers annually. The fare structure of Indian Railways
besides considering the socio-economic factors also largely aligns with
the relevant best practices adopted by different railway systems of the
world.
The total amount of subsidy given in FY 2023-24 on passenger travel is
provisionally estimated at ₹60,466 Crore, this amounts to a 45% subsidy
on the cost of passenger travel.In other words, if the cost of providing
services is ₹100 then the price of ticket is ₹55 only. There is no
concession in fare in Vande Bharat trains, however four seats as
reserved quota are earmarked for persons with disabilities (Divyangjans)
in chair car of each train service.
*****