Train fare increase, Indian Railways fare hike: The long-distance train travel is set to get costlier from Friday, December 26, marking the second fare hike in the past six months. The Ministry of Railways said the increase was necessary to meet the rising manpower costs. It also noted that over the past decade, Indian Railways has significantly expanded its network and operations, reaching even the remotest corners of the country.Also Read | Train fare hike from Dec 26: Rail travel gets costlier; non-AC passengers to pay Rs 10 extra for 500 kmIndian Railways fare classes explained, Indian Railways fare per kilometerUnder the revised train fares, the passengers travelling up to 500 km in non-AC coaches will have to pay an additional Rs 10. The national transporter has increased fares for Mail and Express trains in non-AC coaches by 2 paise per km, while AC class fares have also been raised by 2 paise per km. In a statement, it said the fare rationalisation is expected to generate around Rs 600 crore in additional revenue this year.Also Read | From ticket booking to new trains: Top 10 Indian Railways changes in 2026 you need to knowIndian Railways fare calculator Source: Ministry of RailwaysIndian Railways fare chart 2025As Indian Railways’ new fare chart 2025 comes into effect from December 26, here’s a look at how the train fare hike will impact passengers travelling on two of the busiest routes: Delhi–Mumbai and Delhi–Howrah.Also Read | Indian Railways’ first high-speed test track to be ready by March 2026; trains to be tested at 220 kmph speedDelhi-Howrah train fare, Delhi to Howrah all train listAccording to IRCTC, Indian Railways operates over five regular trains, including premium services, on the Delhi–Howrah route. These include the NDLS–Howrah Rajdhani Express, NDLS–Sealdah Rajdhani Express, NDLS–Howrah Duronto Express, NDLS–Howrah Poorva Express, and the Kalka–Howrah Netaji Express.Story continues below this adAfter the Indian Railways fare hike, passengers travelling between Delhi and Howrah (Kolkata), a distance of around 1,441 km – will have to pay more across classes while booking tickets. For Ordinary (General) class, the fare will increase by Rs 15. In Mail/Express non-AC classes, passengers will pay Rs 30 extra, while Mail/Express AC class travellers will also have to spend Rs 30 more per ticket, according to railways. Also Read | How many Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat trains are in Railways’ fleet? check full listDelhi-Mumbai train, Delhi-Mumbai train ticket priceAccording to IRCTC, Indian Railways operates more than 15 trains, including premium services such as the Mumbai Central Tejas Rajdhani, Hazrat Nizamuddin–Madgaon Rajdhani, and Hazrat Nizamuddin–Mumbai Central Rajdhani Express, on the Delhi–Mumbai route, among others.Following the Indian Railways fare hike, passengers travelling between Delhi and Mumbai, a distance of 1,365 km – will have to pay higher fares across classes while booking tickets.Story continues below this adThe fare for Ordinary (General) class will increase by Rs 15. In Mail/Express non-AC classes, passengers will pay Rs 30 extra, while those travelling in Mail/Express AC classes will also have to spend Rs 30 more per ticket, according to railways.