Indian Railways Fare Hike from Dec 26: Who Pays More and Who Doesn't?

• Indian Railways fare hike effective December 26, but key passenger categories are exempt.
• Long-distance travel becomes costlier; suburban services and short-distance (up to 215 km) fares unchanged.
• Non-AC Mail/Express and AC coaches see a 2 paise per km hike; ordinary class beyond 215 km by 1 paise per km.
• No fare increase for suburban trains and Monthly Season Ticket (MST) holders.
• Hike aims to offset rising operational costs, expected to boost annual earnings by Rs 600 crore.

Why It Matters: Indian Railways raises fares from Dec 26 for long-distance, AC/Mail/Express travel to cover costs.