TMV: Article: Wednesday, 14th January 2026.
The Indian Railways has informed the Central Information Commission (CIC) that its methodology for calculating passenger train fares is a trade secret and falls under commercial confidence, and therefore cannot be disclosed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
The CIC’s observation came
while disposing of an RTI appeal seeking detailed information on the base fare
calculation mechanism, including dynamic pricing and Tatkal bookings, for train
tickets and specifically for the Paschim Superfast Express.
In its reply, the Railway Board said fares are class-based, with variations arising from the facilities provided in different classes. However, it maintained that the classification and methodology of fare fixation are considered intellectual property and trade secrets , making them exempt from disclosure under Section 8 of the RTI Act, which protects sensitive information such as national security, trade secrets, and personal privacy.
Railway officials cited earlier CIC rulings that upheld the non-disclosure of pricing methodology, emphasizing that Indian Railways functions as a commercial utility while simultaneously fulfilling social obligations in the national interest . The Railway Board’s Chief Public Information Officer (CPIO) added that disclosure of detailed pricing mechanisms was not justified in public interest, since any profit earned is transferred to the public rather than retained for private gain.
While the Railways refused to disclose its internal formulas, it provided general information on fare policies , including that fares are determined according to travel class, are influenced by Tatkal and dynamic pricing, and are guided by commercial considerations balanced with public interest.
The CIC noted that the appellant had already received all disclosable information and that authorities are not required to create or interpret data beyond existing records. Finding no infirmity in the Railway Board’s response and noting the appellant’s absence during the hearing, Information Commissioner Swagat Das said no further intervention was required and dismissed the appeal.
The Indian Railways has informed the Central Information Commission (CIC) that its methodology for calculating passenger train fares is a trade secret and falls under commercial confidence, and therefore cannot be disclosed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
In its reply, the Railway Board said fares are class-based, with variations arising from the facilities provided in different classes. However, it maintained that the classification and methodology of fare fixation are considered intellectual property and trade secrets , making them exempt from disclosure under Section 8 of the RTI Act, which protects sensitive information such as national security, trade secrets, and personal privacy.
Railway officials cited earlier CIC rulings that upheld the non-disclosure of pricing methodology, emphasizing that Indian Railways functions as a commercial utility while simultaneously fulfilling social obligations in the national interest . The Railway Board’s Chief Public Information Officer (CPIO) added that disclosure of detailed pricing mechanisms was not justified in public interest, since any profit earned is transferred to the public rather than retained for private gain.
While the Railways refused to disclose its internal formulas, it provided general information on fare policies , including that fares are determined according to travel class, are influenced by Tatkal and dynamic pricing, and are guided by commercial considerations balanced with public interest.
The CIC noted that the appellant had already received all disclosable information and that authorities are not required to create or interpret data beyond existing records. Finding no infirmity in the Railway Board’s response and noting the appellant’s absence during the hearing, Information Commissioner Swagat Das said no further intervention was required and dismissed the appeal.
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