Ahmedabad: Train journeys may become slightly more expensive starting next month, as Indian Railways is considering a modest hike in passenger fares from July 1.

It is learnt that ticket prices for non-AC Mail and Express trains are expected to go up by one paisa per kilometre, while fares for AC coaches will rise by two paise per kilometre. However, there will be no change in fares for suburban services, monthly season tickets, or second-class travel up to 500 kilometres. A minor hike of 0.5 paise per kilometre is being considered for second-class journeys exceeding 500 kilometres.

In a related move, the Railway Ministry recently announced that Aadhaar verification will be mandatory for booking Tatkal tickets online through the IRCTC website and mobile app starting July 1. From July 15, this Aadhaar-based OTP verification system will also apply to Tatkal bookings made at railway counters and through authorised agents.

The ministry stated that Tatkal bookings at PRS counters and through authorised agents will only be processed after OTP authentication, sent to the mobile number provided at the time of booking. This rule will take effect from July 15, 2025.

To prevent misuse and ensure fair access to genuine travellers, authorised agents will also be barred from booking Tatkal tickets during the first 30 minutes of the booking window — between 10:00–10:30 am for AC classes and 11:00–11:30 am for non-AC classes.

As per reports, between April 2024 and March 2025, Indian Railways carried around 715 crore passengers — 81 crore in AC and sleeper classes and 634 crore in unreserved categories — earning ₹75,750 crore in passenger revenue. This proposed revision would mark the first fare increase in five years. DeshGujarat