Indian Railways to Raise Ticket Fares From Late December with New Special Services for Holiday Travel

New Fare Structure Rolls Out December 26, 2025

Starting December 26, 2025, Indian Railways will implement a revised fare policy that includes a slight increase in ticket prices for long-distance journeys. The hike is specifically for trips exceeding 215 kilometers, with passengers in Ordinary Class paying an extra 1 paisa per kilometer and those traveling in Mail and Express classes, both Non-AC and AC, paying 2 paise more per kilometer. This modest adjustment is expected to contribute an additional ₹600 crore to the railways’ revenue.

Importantly, fares for shorter trips under 215 km and suburban and monthly season tickets remain unchanged, ensuring affordability for daily commuters and families relying on these services. For example, a 500-km Non-AC journey will see the ticket price rise by around ₹10, which is a small price for the added operational support this generates.

Details of Fare Adjustments

Special Holiday Trains Boost Travel Options for Festive Season

Alongside the fare revision, Indian Railways has announced the operation of numerous special trains during the Christmas and New Year holiday period of 2025–26. A total of 244 extra trips will run across eight railway zones to manage the expected surge in passenger numbers. Travelers can expect increased choices, especially on busy corridors that connect major hubs like Delhi, Howrah, and Lucknow to surrounding cities and holiday hotspots.

Specifically, on the popular Mumbai–Goa Konkan route, additional daily and weekly special trains will operate between Mumbai CST/LTT and Karmali/Madgaon stations, offering enhanced seating and sleeper options to ease overcrowding. Similarly, special services are added between Mumbai–Nagpur, Pune–Sanganer, and other Maharashtra routes.

These special operations aim to provide passengers with extra capacity and greater comfort, ensuring that holiday travel is smooth and stress-free. This focus on enhancing connectivity resonates well with holidaymakers looking to reach beaches, cities, or family gatherings without travel hassles.

Infrastructure Development and Modernization

Significant progress accompanies this fare adjustment and service extension. Indian Railways is moving full steam ahead with key infrastructure projects, such as the high-speed bullet train initiative in Maharashtra, which has achieved 100% land acquisition. Between 2014 and 2025, the railways have procured nearly 200,000 wagons and added over 10,000 locomotives, significantly boosting freight capacity and mobility.

Another major highlight is the aggressive electrification of railway lines, with approximately 99.1% of the Broad Gauge (BG) network now electrified — a major step toward sustainability and efficiency. The expansion of multi-modal cargo terminals, with 118 new terminals commissioned to handle nearly 192 million tonnes annually, also underscores the drive for modernization and seamless logistics integration.

What This Means for Travelers and Taxi Services

For passengers planning their trips during this period, these changes mean a handful of things. First, the fare hike is moderate, but it will be advisable to calculate exact ticket costs for longer journeys. Whether traveling to an airport, a city center, or a holiday destination, transparency on fares can ease budget planning — something the travel and taxi sectors can appreciate.

Taxi and transfer services play a huge role in the larger travel ecosystem, often bridging the gap between train stations and final destinations. Platforms like LocalsRide.com stand out by allowing users to select exact vehicle types — from private sedans to larger taxis or limousines — and compare fares and driver ratings upfront. This transparency, combined with affordable prices, makes it easier to arrange seamless door-to-door journeys complementing rail travel.

Key Highlights

• Ticket prices rise by 1-2 paise per km for trips over 215 km in select classes
• Fare adjustments exclude suburban and season ticket prices to protect daily commuters
• Holiday season will see 244 additional special train trips to ease passenger volume
• Infrastructure development includes electrification and expansion of freight and passenger capabilities
• Support services such as taxi transfers can optimize travel experience with pre-booked, transparent options

While reports and fare schedules provide useful guidance, personal travel experiences often tell the real story. On LocalsRide, travelers can hire verified cars with drivers at reasonable rates, avoiding surprises and ensuring that the final leg of their journey matches their expectations. The platform’s wide selection of vehicles and additional services make it a practical choice for anyone looking to book a taxi or transfer that fits exact needs.

Convenience, competitive pricing, and clear vehicle and driver information make LocalsRide a smart companion for integrating taxi services smoothly with rail travel. Book your Ride LocalsRide.com today and enjoy stress-free transfers aligned with your train schedules.

Висновок

The upcoming fare revision by Indian Railways signals a careful balancing act between raising revenue and maintaining affordability, particularly for long-distance travelers. The addition of special holiday trains is a welcome initiative to accommodate festive travel surges with comfort and convenience. Alongside these measures, ongoing infrastructure improvements pave the way for a modern, efficient rail network that meets growing passenger and freight demands.

For anyone navigating the complexities of travel in India — from train bookings to last-mile transfers — services like LocalsRide.com deliver transparency, choice, and fair pricing for taxis and private car hires. These elements are increasingly valuable in today’s fast-paced travel landscape, ensuring that journeys from the station to any destination are smooth and reliable.

Ultimately, whether it’s securing the best fares, booking the right vehicle, or managing time efficiently, LocalsRide supports travelers worldwide in crafting personalized transport solutions adapted to the evolving travel scene.