Rail travel may become expensive from July 1. Fares of non-AC mail / express trains may increase by 1 paisa per kilometer and AC class fares by 2 paisa per kilometer. Economic Times has given this information quoting sources.
All the changes will be applicable from July 1. If you book a ticket after this date, you will have to pay the fare at the new rates. Railways last increased passenger fares in 2020. For many years, the Railways had not made any change in ticket prices. This decision has been taken in view of the increasing expenses and maintenance costs faced by the Railways. However, this increase is very nominal, so that there is no burden on the common passengers. Railways has increased the fare of non-AC mail / express trains by 1 paisa per kilometer. At the same time, there will be an increase of 2 paisa per kilometer for AC class (such as AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier).
That means if you are travelling 500 kms, you may have to pay 5 rupees more in non-AC and 10 rupees more in AC. On the other hand, for a journey of 1000 kms, you will have to pay 20 rupees more in AC and 10 rupees more in non-AC. This hike will not be applicable on all trains. There has been no hike for travelling up to 500 kms in second class. That means most passengers travelling short distances will have to pay the same fare as before. If the distance is more than 500 kms, you will have to pay half paisa more per km.