Published Jun 24, 2025 | 6:17 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 24, 2025 | 6:17 PM
Indian railways. (Wikimedia)
Synopsis: Indian Railways will implement a modest fare hike from July 1, 2025—the first since the COVID-19 pandemic, The Economic Times reported. Non-AC Mail and Express fares will rise by 1 paise/km, and AC class fares by 2 paise/km. However, suburban fares, monthly passes, and second-class travel up to 500 km will remain unchanged under the revised fare structure
In a significant move, Indian Railways will implement a modest hike in passenger train fares starting 1 July, 2025 — the first such increase since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Economic Times reported.
According to sources cited by the publication, the fare for non-AC Mail and Express trains will rise by 1 paise per kilometre, while AC class fares will go up by 2 paise per kilometre.
However, certain passenger categories and routes will remain unaffected by the revision.
This fare revision comes alongside a major change in tatkal ticket booking protocols
Effective 1 July, Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for booking tatkal tickets through the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or app.
A Railway Ministry directive dated June 10 stated, “With effect from 01-07-2025, tickets under Tatkal scheme can be booked through the website of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC)/ its app only by Aadhaar authenticated users.”
Further tightening the process, an OTP-based Aadhaar verification will become a compulsory additional step for tatkal bookings beginning July 15, 2025.
The ministry has also restricted tatkal booking privileges for authorised agents, aiming to ensure that the scheme primarily benefits common passengers.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
