Railway Fares Hike Again: Mail, Express, Premium Trains Costlier from Today

• Railway passenger fares increased from December 26, marking the second hike this year.
• Mail and Express train fares are up by 2 paise per kilometer; ordinary non-AC by 1 paisa per kilometer.
• Tickets for major trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail are now more expensive.
• No change in fares for suburban railway services or season tickets, offering relief to local commuters.
• The hike aims to improve technical and passenger services and maintain modern trains, but impacts middle-class budgets.

Why It Matters: Train travel becomes costlier for long-distance and premium services; local fares remain unchanged.