Why is Railways charging slightly higher fare for short distance travel? Know the reason here The statement from the ministry said the short-distance passenger trains account for less than 3% of the total number of trains being operated. Share Updated: Feb 24, 2021, 08:19 PM IST Recently, there have been some reports about a higher price being charged from those travelling in passenger trains over small distances. After concerns were raised over a rise in the ticket fares of short-distance passenger trains, the railways on Wednesday said the "slightly high fares" are only to discourage unnecessary travel. "As a special provision in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fares of these trains have been fixed at par with the price of unreserved tickets of mail and express trains for the same distance," a statement from the railway ministry said.