India Offers the Lowest Railway Fares Among Neighboring Countries Including Pak: Ashwini Vaishnaw

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw claimed that India offers the cheapest rail travel to passengers, charging Rs 121 for a 350-kilometer ride, compared to its neighbouring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. 

During a discussion in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday about the Ministry of Railways' budget for 2025-26, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that Western countries charge 10 to 20% more than India.

No Rise in Railway Fare 

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that there has been no increase in train fares after 2020 and that the Indian Railways offers a 47% subsidy to its passengers. During a discussion in the Rajya Sabha, he highlighted Indian Railways' successes and future goals.

Railway Fare in India & its Neighbouring Countries

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, during discussions on the Ministry of Railways' budget for 2025-26, that train fares in India are much lower than in neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Ashwini Vaishnaw Speech: Key Highlights

Fare for a 350 km journey: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the fare in India is ₹121, while in Pakistan it is ₹436, in Bangladesh ₹323, and in Sri Lanka ₹413.

Travel cost comparison: He further told the Rajya Sabha that train travel in India is 5 times cheaper than in European countries.

Passenger subsidy: He also said that railway passengers receive a subsidy of 47%, which has now reached ₹60,000 crore annually.

General vs. AC coaches: The railway ministry announced that the number of general coaches will be 2.5 times more than AC coaches soon.

Railway status: Vaishnaw confirmed that the financial condition of the Indian Railways is strong, and continuous improvements in services are being made.

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Passengers Get 47% Subsidy on Train Travel

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav shared that the actual cost of travel on Indian Railways is ₹1.38 per kilometer, but passengers only pay 73 paise per kilometer. This means the government provides a 47% subsidy on train fares. In the financial year 2022-23, the total subsidy given was ₹57,000 crore, which increased to nearly ₹60,000 crore in 2023-24.

Affordable and Safe Rail Travel for All

The government is committed to offering affordable and safe train services, especially for the poorest sections of society. To meet this goal, the number of general (non-AC) coaches is being increased to 2.5 times more than AC coaches. As part of this, 17,000 new non-AC coaches are being prepared.

Indian Railways’ Strong Financial Position

The Railway Minister assured that Indian Railways is financially stable and continues to improve. He highlighted that Indian Railways is growing as a reliable, strong, and safe transport service on a global level.