Thu Dec 25 15:58:45 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article based on it:

Summary:

The Indian Railway Ministry announced a hike in train ticket prices effective December 26, 2025. The increase is tiered: 1 paisa per km for ordinary class beyond 215 km and 2 paise per km for non-AC and AC classes of mail/express trains. Suburban and season tickets are unaffected. The Ministry justifies the increase as a way to balance affordability with the sustainability of railway operations. This marks the second fare hike this year, the first being in July.

News Article:

Indian Railways Announces Fare Hike Effective Tomorrow

New Delhi, December 25, 2025: Indian Railway travelers will see a slight increase in ticket prices starting December 26th, 2025. The Railway Ministry officially notified the price hike today, stating that it will implement a tiered increase to fares.

Ordinary class train tickets will rise by 1 paisa per kilometer for journeys exceeding 215 kilometers. Meanwhile, non-AC and AC classes on mail/express trains will see a 2 paisa per kilometer increase.

The Ministry emphasized that suburban services and season tickets will not be affected by this fare adjustment. For second class ordinary travel, there will be no change for journeys up to 215 km. For longer distances, the fare increases in steps — ₹5 for distances from 216 km to 750 km, ₹10 for distances between 751 km and 1250 km, ₹15 for distances between 1251 km and 1750 km, and ₹20 for distances between 1751 km and 2250 km

This is the second fare increase this year, following a previous hike implemented in July.

In a statement, the Ministry defended the decision as a “rationalizing of fares” necessary to balance affordability for passengers with the long-term operational sustainability of Indian Railways.

The revised fares will apply to tickets booked on or after December 26th. Tickets purchased before this date will not be subject to the increase, even if the travel date falls after the effective date. Updated fare charts will be available at railway stations starting tomorrow.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe, reliable, and affordable travel for millions of passengers.

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