New Delhi, Dec. 22 -- The Indian Railways on Sunday announced a rationalisation of fares, introducing a hike in ticket prices for long-distance and premium travel categories while keeping suburban services and short-distance ordinary class fares unchanged. As per the revised fare structure, set to take effect from December 26, there will be no increase in fares for suburban trains and monthly season ticket (MST) holders. Ordinary class fares for journeys up to 215 kilometres will also remain unchanged. For ordinary class travel beyond 215 kilometres, fares will increase by 1 paise per kilometre. Mail and express non-AC classes, and AC classes will also see a hike of 2 paise per kilometre. Railway officials stated that a 500km journey in non-AC coaches would cost passengers approximately Rs.10 more. Indian Railways said the fare rationalisation is linked to rising operational expenses amid a significant expansion of its network and services over the past decade. Increased manpower has been deployed to manage higher traffic volumes and improve safety standards, it added. Manpower costs have increased to about Rs.1.15 lakh crore, while pension expenditure has risen to around Rs.60,000 crore. The total operational cost for 2024-25 is estimated at approximately Rs.2.63 lakh crore, according to a press release issued by the Railways. "To meet this higher cost of manpower, Railways are focusing on higher cargo loading and a small amount of passenger fare rationalisation," the release said. The rationalisation is expected to generate an additional Rs.600 crore in revenue, it said. The Opposition Congress criticised the timing and manner of the fare revision. "Increasing the railway fare a few weeks before the budget is wrong. Circulating it quietly is making the Modi government surpass even its own lowliness," Congress leader Pawan Khera said....