Train fares across India will experience a slight increase starting July 1, marking the smallest hike in over a decade, as Railway Ministry officials announced. While non-AC mail and express trains will see a nominal rise of 1 paise per kilometer, fares in AC classes will increase by 2 paise per kilometer. Additionally, from July, the Railways will implement Aadhaar-based OTP authentication for Tatkal ticket bookings to reduce fraud and eliminate middlemen, enhancing the ticketing system’s security.
The Railway Ministry clarified that this fare revision is modest compared to past hikes, with no changes planned for suburban and monthly season ticket fares, prioritizing daily commuters’ interests. The smallest fare changes aim to balance the need for revenue with passenger convenience.
Minimal Increase in Fares Across Classes
According to officials, the last fare revision occurred on January 1, 2020, when second-class fares for ordinary and mail/express trains rose by 1 paise and 2 paise per kilometer, respectively. Sleeper and AC class fares then increased by 2 paise and 4 paise per kilometer. The current adjustment is even more moderate, with second-class fares up to 500 kilometers remaining unchanged and only a marginal increase of half a paise per kilometer applicable beyond this distance.
An official pointed out that the 2023 hike is the lowest since 2013 when fare revisions were more substantial. For example, in 2013, second-class ordinary train fares increased by 2 paise per kilometer, while express/mail trains and sleeper classes saw hikes of 4 paise and 6 paise respectively. That year, most AC class fares jumped by 10 paise per kilometer, except AC II which increased by 6 paise.
Officials emphasized that suburban trains and monthly season ticket fares will remain stable, reflecting the government’s commitment to ease the financial burden on daily commuters.
New Aadhaar-Based OTP Authentication for Tatkal Tickets
In a significant move to curb ticket scalping and fraud, the Railways will introduce Aadhaar-based OTP authentication for Tatkal ticket bookings starting July 1. Passengers booking Tatkal tickets via the IRCTC website and mobile app will be required to authenticate their identity with an OTP sent to their registered mobile numbers linked with Aadhaar.
This mandatory Aadhaar OTP verification will also extend to bookings made through computerized Passenger Reservation System counters and authorized agents, effective from July 15. The step aims to streamline the ticket booking process by ensuring that tickets are booked only by genuine users, preventing middlemen from hoarding Tatkal tickets for resale.
By incorporating biometric authentication, the Railways hope to make the booking system more transparent and passenger-friendly, ultimately benefiting millions of travelers who rely on Tatkal tickets for urgent journeys.
