Railways Hikes Fares from Dec 26, Pre-Booked Tickets Unaffected

• Indian Railways will implement increased passenger fares starting December 26, 2025.
• Passengers with pre-booked tickets will pay old rates; new fares apply only to fresh bookings.
• Hike primarily affects non-AC sleeper, general categories, and some AC coaches, varying 10-20%.
• Specific increase: 1 paisa/km for ordinary tickets (>215 km), 2 paisa/km for non-AC Mail/Express and all AC classes.
• Local train passes and ordinary tickets up to 215 km are exempt from the fare increase.

Why It Matters: New railway fares begin Dec 26, 2025, but existing bookings are protected at old rates.