Railways Likely to Hike Fares Across Classes From July 1

This will be the first increase in more than five years

- DHRUVAKSH SAHA

National transporter Indian Railways is likely to raise fares of trains, barring suburban railways, by 2 paise per kilometre for passengers travelling in AC classes along with nominal hikes in other classes, senior government officials aware of the matter said.

According to sources, there will be no hike in the fares of trains on the suburban rail network. Moreover, monthly season tickets will continue to cost the same. The fares for passengers on the second class of ordinary (non-Mail or Express) trains will continue to be the same up to 500 km of travel. Beyond this, a hike of half a paisa/km will be applicable.

All non-AC coaches on Mail and Express trains are likely to see a hike of 1 paisa/km for passengers.

"The last hike in passenger fares was done five years ago. The new rates are likely to be effective from July 1, and there will be no retrospective adjustment for tickets booked before July 1 for journeys after July 1," said a senior official.