Fare structure of AC EMU, DEMU, MEMU Rakes And Coaches
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)
Commercial Circular No. 55 of 2025
No.TC II/2910/17/AC EMU
New Delhi, dated 06.11.2025
The Principal Chief Commercial Managers,
All Zonal Railways
Sub: Fare structure of AC EMU/DEMU/MEMU rakes/coaches.
Ref: Commercial Circular no. 27 of 2025 dated 30.05.2025.
In contained of instructions contained in Commercial Circular No. 27 of 2025 dated 30.05.2025, Ministry of Railways have now decided that fare of AC cum non AC coaches/rakes shall be kept at par with that of AC EMU/DEMU/MEMU services. i.e. 1.3 times of base fare of single journey tickets of first class.
2. Same terms and conditions as notified for AC EMU/MEMU/DEMU trains shall also be applicable in the above case.
3. CRIS is requested to make necessary changes in the software.
4. The receipt of this letter may be acknowledged. Also please check these instructions on the Indian Railways website – www.indianrailway.gov.in under the head commercial circulars.
5. This disposes off the references of WR & SR dated 31.07.2025 & 29.05.2025 Railways.
6. This issues with the concurrence of Finance Directorate of Ministry of Railways.
(Shelly Srivastava)
Director Passenger Marketing
Railway Board
Source: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in/
Here’s the official fare structure for AC EMU, DEMU & MEMU rakes/coaches, and updates on recent fare changes as of mid‑2025:
Contents
🚉 1. Fare Structure: AC EMU / DEMU / MEMU Coaches
According to Railway Board’s Commercial Circular No. 55 of 2025 (effective November 6, 2025):
- Fares for AC EMU, AC DEMU, and AC MEMU rakes are set at 1.3 times the base fare of First Class Single Journey tickets in suburban services.
- All conditions and concessions applicable to EMU/MEMU/DEMU services (e.g. tickets, season passes) apply to these AC versions as well.
In practice, if First Class single‑journey fare in suburban rail is ₹10, then AC EMU fare = ₹13 for the same distance. (Example from Kolkata local: ₹29 base for first 10 km → AC EMU starts at ₹29; incremental as per slabs.)
💵 2. DEMU & MEMU Fare Updates (2024–25)
- After passenger complaints, Express‑Special fares were reverted back to the pre‑COVID‑19 “Second Class Ordinary” fare structure in most zones, reducing previous fare surcharges by ~50%.
- On key routes (Chennai–Tirupati; Chennai Beach–Vellore; Chennai Egmore–Puducherry), tickets dropped from ₹65–₹80 down to ₹35–₹45.
- In Pune zone and elsewhere, common DEMU/MEMU fares restored to ordinary second‑class levels by July 2025.
📈 3. Recent Fare Revision from July 1, 2025
- Indian Railways introduced a marginal fare hike from July 1, 2025:
- Non‑AC classes: +1 paise/km
- AC classes (including AC EMU): +2 paise/km
🧾 4. Summary Table
| Train Type / Coach | Base Fare Definition | Post‑Jan 2025 Fare | Post‑Jul 2025 Fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC EMU / AC DEMU / AC MEMU | 1.3 × First Class suburban base fare | ₹13 (if FC ₹10) or slab-based as in Kolkata (₹29) | AC surcharge +2 paise/km added |
| MEMU / DEMU (standard non‑AC) | Second Class Ordinary fare (pre‑COVID restored) | ₹35 for 50 km, etc. | +1 paise/km added to base fare |
🎯 Key Insights
- AC EMU fares remain tied to First Class fares, not Mail/Express rates.
- Standard DEMU/MEMU fares were restored in early 2024, reversing earlier pandemic-era hikes.
- The July 2025 fare hike adds minor increments for all classes.
- Season or monthly tickets may have proportional adjustments; suburban seasonal fare unchanged as per 2025 circular.
ℹ️ Additional Notes
- Concessions (e.g. senior citizens, disabled) and GST also apply per standard IRCTC fare rules.
- Coach numbering: EMU/DEMU/MEMU rakes are now in coach number series above 8000, as per updated Indian Railways system.
If you want to see fare slabs for a specific city (e.g. Mumbai, Kolkata) or distance chart including season passes, feel free to ask!