Railway Fare Hike Sparks Public Outcry; New Rates from Dec 26, 2025

• Indian Railways to hike fares for General, Mail/Express, and AC categories from December 26, 2025.
• Passengers express anger over increased costs, lack of seats, and poor services like punctuality and cleanliness.
• Hike details: 1 paisa/km for ordinary (over 215 km), 2 paisa/km for Mail/Express non-AC and AC classes.
• Students and daily commuters demand discounts and improved facilities, citing booking difficulties and financial strain.
• Local trains and Monthly Season Tickets (MST) are exempt from the fare increase.

Why It Matters: Railway fare hike from Dec 26, 2025, draws public anger amid demands for better services and discounts.