As per the sources, from 29^th September, 2018, the travel from Chennai to New Delhi is going to be costlier as the train Humsafar express will replace the budget friendly train that is Garib Rath that runs on that route. With this final decision taken by the department to withdraw affordable cost AC express Garib Rath from that route, now passengers have to pay a good amount in order to travel in Humsafar express, to travel in between Chennai and New Delhi, whose fare is supposed to start with Rs. 2,200 and will likely increase with the demand. The final decision was taken by Railways board on August 30^th and as per the same, there will be an increase in Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000 per head in Humsafar express in 3^rd class travel.

As per the decision, both Southern and Northern Railways will not take booking of Garib Rath trains that will be in effect from 29^th September, and will take the same for Humsafar express. The fare of regular class in three tier coach starts from INR 2050 that was Rs. 1380 in Garib Rath. Humsafar express is advanced in terms of its functionality and is backed with features including public announcement system, LED displays, vending machines, etc. Garib Raths were introduced in year 2005 to provide air conditioned travel to its passengers at lower rates. Though, the decision of substituting them with Humsafar train will definitely impact the budget of travellers.