Indian Railways has announced its first passenger fare increase since the COVID-19 pandemic. The revised fares, set to take effect from July 1, 2025, will see minor adjustments across various travel classes.
Additionally, the Railway Ministry has introduced stricter Aadhaar-based authentication rules for Tatkal ticket bookings to curb misuse and ensure fair access for genuine travelers.
Revised Fare Structure Effective July 1, 2025
No Increase in Suburban and Season Ticket Fares
Indian Railways has decided to keep fares unchanged for suburban train services and monthly season tickets (MST). This move aims to support daily commuters who rely on these services for their regular travel needs.
Changes in Second-Class Travel Fares
For journeys up to 500 km: No fare hike will be applied in the ordinary second class.
For distances beyond 500 km: A nominal increase of 0.5 paise per kilometer will be implemented.
Revised Fares for Non-AC and AC Classes
Non-AC Mail/Express trains: Fares will increase by 1 paise per kilometer.
AC classes (including 3AC, 2AC, and 1AC): Passengers will see a hike of 2 paise per kilometer.
This marginal adjustment is the first since the pandemic and is expected to help the railways manage rising operational costs while keeping fares affordable.
New Aadhaar-Based Rules for Tatkal Bookings
Mandatory Aadhaar Authentication from July 1
Starting July 1, 2025, travelers booking Tatkal tickets through the IRCTC website or mobile app must complete Aadhaar authentication. The Railway Ministry stated that this measure is intended to prevent misuse and ensure that genuine passengers benefit from the Tatkal scheme.
Additional OTP Verification from July 15
From July 15, 2025, an extra layer of security will be introduced, requiring travelers to complete Aadhaar-based OTP authentication during Tatkal bookings. This step aims to further reduce fraudulent bookings and unauthorized agent activities.
Restrictions on Railway Booking Agents
To promote fairness in ticket distribution, the new guidelines impose restrictions on authorized railway booking agents:
AC Class Tatkal Tickets: Agents cannot book tickets in the first 30 minutes (10:00 AM to 10:30 AM).
Non-AC Class Tatkal Tickets: Agents are barred from bookings between 11:00 AM and 11:30 AM.
These restrictions aim to give individual travelers a better chance to secure last-minute tickets before agents can access the system.
Railway Ministry Directs System Updates
The Railway Ministry has instructed the Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) and IRCTC to implement necessary technical changes to support the new Aadhaar-based booking system. All zonal railway divisions have been notified to ensure a smooth transition.
Conclusion
The fare hike, though modest, marks Indian Railways' first post-pandemic adjustment to passenger tariffs. Meanwhile, the new Aadhaar-based Tatkal booking rules aim to enhance transparency and curb malpractice in ticket reservations. These changes reflect the railways' efforts to balance revenue generation with passenger convenience while ensuring a fair and efficient booking system.
Passengers are advised to stay updated on the new regulations to avoid any inconvenience while booking tickets from July 1, 2025, onwards.
