Long-distance train travel has become costlier from Friday as the Ministry of Railways implemented a revision in passenger fares. This is the second fare hike in the last six months, with the ministry stating that the decision aims to balance passenger affordability with the sustainability of railway operations.

What has changed in train ticket prices

According to the revised structure, the fare hike applies only to tickets booked on or after December 26. Passengers who booked tickets before this date will not have to pay any additional amount, even if their journey takes place later.

There is no increase in fares for suburban train services and season tickets, covering both suburban and non-suburban routes.

Revised fares for second class ordinary travel

For passengers travelling in Second Class Ordinary coaches, the fare increase depends on the distance:

• Journeys up to 215 km: no change
• 216 km to 750 km: increase of Rs 5
• 751 km to 1,250 km: increase of Rs 10
• 1,251 km to 1,750 km: increase of Rs 15
• 1,751 km to 2,250 km: increase of Rs 20

Sleeper and first class ordinary fares

For Sleeper Class Ordinary and First Class Ordinary, fares have been increased by 1 paisa per kilometre.

Mail and express train fare hike

Mail and Express trains have seen a uniform increase of 2 paise per kilometre across all non-AC and AC classes. This includes Sleeper Class, First Class, AC Chair Car, AC 3-Tier, AC 2-Tier and AC First Class. As a result, a passenger travelling around 500 km in a non-AC Mail or Express coach will pay approximately Rs 10 extra.

The revised fares are also applicable to premium and special services such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto, Vande Bharat, Tejas, Garib Rath, Jan Shatabdi, Humsafar, Amrit Bharat, Antyodaya, Gatimaan, Mahamana, Yuva Express and Namo Bharat Rapid Rail.

No change in reservation and other charges

The ministry has clarified that there is no change in reservation fees, superfast surcharges or other ancillary charges. GST rules remain unchanged, and fares will continue to be rounded off as per existing norms.

The Railways said the updated fare structure follows a balanced approach to ensure passenger convenience while supporting operational requirements.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid floral tributes to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at the ‘Sadaiv Atal’ memorial in New Delhi on the occasion of his 101st birth anniversary. Remembering Vajpayee’s legacy, the Prime Minister said that true leadership is not established by position, but by conduct.

Several dignitaries were present at the memorial to pay homage to the former Prime Minister, who remains one of the most respected figures in Indian politics.

PM Modi remembers Vajpayee’s conduct and values

In a message shared on social media platform X, Prime Minister Modi described Atal Bihari Vajpayee as a statesman whose behaviour, dignity and unwavering commitment to national interest set a benchmark for Indian politics. He said Vajpayee’s life continues to inspire the nation and highlights that leadership is determined by character rather than authority.

The Prime Minister also shared a Sanskrit verse, noting that the actions of great leaders guide society, and said this principle was clearly reflected throughout Vajpayee’s public life.

‘Nation always came first for Atal ji’

Prime Minister Modi further said that Vajpayee’s birth anniversary is an opportunity for everyone to draw inspiration from his life. He highlighted Vajpayee’s conduct, grace, ideological firmness and resolve to place the nation’s interest above all else as an ideal standard for public life.

Through his life and work, Vajpayee demonstrated that excellence and greatness are shaped by values and conduct, not merely by holding office, the Prime Minister said. The remarks were shared with inputs from media.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Opposition during proceedings in the State Assembly, accusing rival parties of indulging in selective outrage and appeasement politics while remaining silent on incidents involving Hindus in neighbouring countries, particularly Bangladesh.

Referring to recent incidents across the border, the Chief Minister said the Opposition raises its voice on international issues selectively but avoids speaking out when minorities, especially Hindus, are targeted in nearby nations.

“You shed tears over developments in Gaza, but not a single word comes out when a Dalit youth is killed in Bangladesh,” Adityanath said in the Assembly, alleging that such silence exposes the Opposition’s political priorities.

The Chief Minister further claimed that incidents of violence against Hindus would not have occurred had Pakistan and Bangladesh not been created, reiterating that issues are often viewed through the prism of vote bank politics. He said candle marches are organised for global events, but killings of Hindus in Pakistan or Bangladesh do not evoke similar responses.

Adityanath also called for a condemnation resolution in the Assembly, stating that it should ideally come from the Leader of the Opposition. He said such a resolution should clearly condemn the killing and convey a warning to the Bangladesh government.

Allegations over illegal immigration

Targeting the Opposition on the issue of illegal immigration, the Chief Minister alleged that they support Bangladeshi nationals and Rohingyas. He claimed that when authorities take action to expel illegal immigrants, Opposition leaders come out in their defence, alleging that many of them have been facilitated with voter registrations and Aadhaar cards.

Meanwhile, tensions between India and Bangladesh have been visible following recent developments. India summoned the Bangladesh High Commissioner for the second time in a week amid concerns arising from incidents in the neighbouring country.

The summons came in the backdrop of protests in Bangladesh following the killing of student leader Sharif Osman Hadi and the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das in separate incidents. Dipu Das, a 27-year-old youth from Mymensingh district, was beaten to death by a mob over alleged blasphemy on December 18, and his body was later set on fire, triggering widespread outrage.

The Interim Government of Bangladesh condemned the incident. Education Adviser C R Abrar visited the bereaved family on behalf of the government, expressed condolences, and assured them of financial and welfare assistance. The Office of the Chief Adviser also reiterated its resolve to protect all citizens and ensure justice in the case.

The killing has once again raised concerns at the international level over the safety and security of minorities in Bangladesh, with minority groups demanding strict action against those responsible.