Big News! From ticket booking to fares, Railways begins new rules from today
Indian Railways has introduced new rules starting July 1, 2025, including fare hikes for long-distance travel and mandatory Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal ticket bookings. AC train fares will increase by two paise per km, while non-AC fares will see a smaller rise. The ticketing system will be revamped for better passenger convenience, with reservation charts prepared earlier to reduce uncertainty.
The Indian Railways has implemented a few changes from today, i.e., 1 July, 2025. As per the notification, there are three changes that will come into effect from today. As per the notification, the train fare increases will go into effect on July 1. The government has granted the Railway Board's request to increase price for long-distance rail travel. Additionally, the Tatkal ticket will be booked using your Aadhar card. Also, the ticketing system will be revamped to enhance passenger convenience.
How much have ticket prices increased for AC trains?
The increased fare will be applicable in trains like Shatabdi, Rajdhani, Tejas, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Mahamana, Gatiman, Antyodaya, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Yuva Express, Anubhuti Coach and AC Vistadome. Their existing basic fare will increase by two paise per km.
Ordinary non-AC trains (second class)
Up to 500 km – no increase
501-1500 km – Rs 5 increase
1501-2500 km – Rs 10 increase
2501-3000 km – Rs 15 increase
Sleeper and first class: Half paisa increase per kilometer
For mail/express trains (non-AC)
One paisa increase per kilometer in second, sleeper and first class
However, Local trains and MST holders have been given relief. The increased fare will be applicable only in mail, express and superfast trains. Railways has clarified that there is going to be no change in the fare of suburban trains. There has been no change in monthly season tickets (suburban and non-suburban) as well.
Aadhaar authentication required for Tatkal train ticket booking
Now you will not be able to travel in the Tatkal coach of the railway without Aadhar card. Aadhar verification has been made mandatory for Tatkal ticket booking. Also, from July 15, two-factor OTP verification will be applicable in ticket booking both online and at the counter. That is, the OTP received on the registered mobile will have to be entered. Another big news is that the Railways is considering increasing the fare. There may be an increase of 1 paisa per km for non-AC coaches and 2 paisa per km for AC.
It is to be noted that the Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had emphasised that the ticketing system should be smart, transparent, accessible, and efficient. Planning should focus on passenger convenience. The system must ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for our passengers.
Currently, the reservation chart is prepared four hours before the departure of the train. This creates uncertainty in the minds of passengers. Wherever passengers are coming from a nearby area to catch the train, this uncertainty can cause serious problems, the statement said.
To remove this uncertainty, the railway board has proposed preparing the reservation chart eight hours before the departure. For trains departing before 1400 hours, the chart will be prepared the previous day at 2100 hours. The Railway Minister agreed with this proposal and directed the board to start implementing this in phases so that there is no disruption.