India, Dec. 21 -- As the ministry of railways on Sunday announced a hike on its fare tariff, passengers travelling long distances are set to bear the brunt under the revised structure, which becomes operational from December 26.

Attributing the spike in fare to the increase in its manpower cost, the ministry of railways in its official release clarified that the increase will have a limited financial impact on passengers. The rationalisation in the fare tariff is aimed towards generating an additional Rs.600 crore in revenue, according to the release.

The ministry added that under the new regime, Indian railways will continue its focus on efficiency, cost containment, and operational reforms in order to achieve the goal of affordable an...