Parliament Question: Revision of Passenger Fares

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 718 TO BE ANSWERED ON 04.02.2026 REVISION OF PASSENGER FARES 718. SHRI KARTI P CHIDAMBARAM: SHRI TANUJ PUNIA: KM. SUDHA R: SHRI V K SREEKANDAN: SMT. KANIMOZHI KARUNANIDHI: SHRI K RADHAKRISHNAN: SHRI BENNY BEHANAN: SHRI BALWANT BASWANT WANKHADE: Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state: (a) whether the Government has undertaken two revisions of passenger fares/superfast charges, reservation charges and other ancillary fees during the financial year 2025–26 and if so, the dates, categories of trains and classes of travel to which each revision applied along with the reasons of such increases; (b) the State-wise details of stations and services affected by these fare revisions; (c) whether the Government assessed the cumulative socio-economic impact of multiple fare increases on passengers, particularly daily commuters low and middle-income commuters/long distance travellers, students and migrant workers/workers, families and senior citizens, prior to implementing the second revision and if so, the details thereof; (d) the manner in which the Government plans to revise the system without hindering service to passengers who cannot afford to pay the twice- increased amount; (e) whether such fare hikes have adversely affected passenger traffic and shifted commuters towards other modes of transport; (f) the total additional revenue expected to be generated by Railways as a result of this fare increase;(g) the steps proposed to reduce the financial burden on common passengers and to ensure that the additional revenue collected leads to better safety, punctuality and passenger amenties; and (h) whether it is also true that the railways was forced to increase the train fare as the condition of the railways has been deteriorating and if so, the details thereof? ANSWER MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW) (a) to (h) Indian Railways provides affordable transportation service to more than 720 crore passengers. The fares of Indian Railways are among the lowest in the world, even when compared with the neighboring countries. 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. This subsidy is continuing for all passengers. Further, concessions beyond this subsidy amount are continuing for many categories of persons with disabilities (Divyangjans), 11 categories of patients and 8 categories of students. Indian Railways has undertaken two rationalizations of passenger fares during the financial year 2025–26 after a gap of 5 years. These revisions have been carried out uniformly and in a calibrated manner across applicable classes. The first rationalization was implemented with effect from 01.07.2025, the details of which are as follows: i) No increase in Second Class Ordinary up to 500 km and thereafter Half paisa increase in fare per passenger per kilometer. ii) Half paisa increase in fare per passenger per kilometer in Sleeper Class Ordinary and First-Class Ordinary. iii) 01 Paisa increase per passenger per kilometer in Non-AC Classes in Mail Express. iv) 02 paisa increase per passenger per kilometer in reserved AC- Classes.The second rationalisation was implemented with effect from 26.12.2025, the details of which are as follows: i) No increase in Second Class Ordinary up to 215 km and thereafter 01 paisa increase in fare per passenger per kilometer. ii) 01 paisa increase in fare per passenger per kilometer in Sleeper Class Ordinary and First-Class Ordinary. iii) 02 Paisa increase per passenger per kilometer in Non-AC Classes in Mail Express. iv) 02 paisa increase per passenger per kilometer in reserved AC- Classes. The existing basic fares of major train services, including Tejas Rajdhani, Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Tejas, Mahamana, Gatimaan, Antyodaya, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, Namo Bharat Rapid Rail, and Ordinary non-suburban services (excluding AC MEMU/DEMU, where applicable), have been revised in line with the approved class-wise basic fare increases. Reservation charges, superfast surcharge and other ancillary charges were not increased. In order to maintain affordability for lower and middle income families, the fares for Suburban services and Season Tickets, including both suburban and non-suburban routes have not been revised. The fare revision is likely to have insignificant impact on the total amount of subsidy because this revision ranges from half paisa to 2 paisa only per kilometer of travel. It is estimated that less than half the trips will have a marginal increase in fare. The increase in fares on both the occasions was very low and have been undertaken to balance passenger affordability while maintaining operational sustainability. Further, various initiatives have been undertaken by the Ministry of Railways in providing safe, comfortable, and quality services to passengers which includes the following:  Upgradation of passenger amenities at stations under schemes like Amrit Bharat station scheme.  Introduction of modern trains such as Vande Bharat Sleeper, Vande Bharat, Non-AC Amrit Bharat trains and Namo Bharat Rapid trains etc. to enhance passenger experience, cleanliness, and onboard services.  Enhanced monitoring and feedback mechanisms through Rail Madad. Implementation of digital initiatives such as Rail one app, UTS on Mobile App etc. The above measures have resulted in increased passenger satisfaction. With focus on operational efficiency modernization and digitization Indian Railways aims to maintain affordable passenger fares while improving quality of services and ensuring financial sustainability. *****