Indian Railways , the backbone of India's transportation system, has announced a significant change in its fare structure set to take effect from July 1, 2025. This move is expected to impact millions of passengers across the country.

Fare Hike Details

The fare increase has been strategically planned across different travel classes:

• Non-AC Mail/Express fares will see a modest increase of 1 paise per kilometer.
• AC class travel will experience a slightly higher increase of 2 paise per kilometer.

Exemptions and Considerations

In a move that considers the needs of regular commuters and short-distance travelers, the Railways has decided to keep certain fares unchanged:

• Suburban train tickets will not see any price increase.
• Second-class travel for distances up to 500 km will remain at current rates.

This decision suggests an attempt to balance revenue generation with the needs of daily commuters and those traveling shorter distances.

New Authentication Requirement for Tatkal Bookings

In addition to the fare adjustments, Indian Railways is implementing a new security measure for Tatkal bookings:

• From July 1, 2025, passengers will be required to provide Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal ticket reservations.

This step is likely aimed at enhancing the security and authenticity of the Tatkal booking process, which is popular for last-minute travel plans.

Conclusion

The fare hike and new authentication requirement for Tatkal bookings represent significant changes in Indian Railways' operations. While the increased fares may impact travel costs for some passengers, the exemptions for certain categories suggest an effort to minimize the impact on daily commuters and short-distance travelers. The introduction of Aadhaar authentication for Tatkal bookings marks a move towards increased security in the reservation process.

As these changes are set to take effect in 2025, passengers have ample time to adjust their travel plans and budgets accordingly. The impact of these changes on passenger traffic and railway revenues will be closely watched by both travelers and industry observers alike.

Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), the online ticketing and catering arm of Indian Railways, has reported a robust financial performance for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2025 (Q4FY25), showcasing significant growth in both profit and revenue.

Q4FY25 Performance Highlights

IRCTC's consolidated net profit for Q4FY25 jumped 26% year-over-year (YoY) to Rs 358.00 crore, marking a substantial improvement in the company's bottom line. This growth was accompanied by a 10% increase in revenue from operations, which reached Rs 1,269.00 crore during the same period.

Segment-wise Performance

The company's performance was notably driven by growth in its internet ticketing segment. This suggests an increasing trend towards online booking of train tickets, reflecting the growing digital adoption among Indian railway passengers.

However, the catering segment experienced a slight decline in revenue. This dip in catering services could be attributed to various factors, which may include changes in passenger preferences or operational adjustments.

Full Year FY25 Results

For the full fiscal year 2025, IRCTC reported impressive financial results:

The company's net profit for FY25 stood at Rs 1,315.00 crore, up from Rs 1,111.00 crore in the previous fiscal year, representing a solid 18.36% year-over-year increase.

Conclusion

IRCTC's financial results for Q4FY25 and the full fiscal year demonstrate the company's ability to drive growth, particularly in its core internet ticketing business. The significant increase in profitability, despite challenges in the catering segment, underscores IRCTC's resilience and its pivotal role in India's railway ecosystem.

As the exclusive provider of online ticketing for Indian Railways, IRCTC's performance is often seen as a barometer for both the railway sector's health and the broader trend of digital adoption in India's transportation services.