Indian Railways has announced a trial scheme called the “Round Trip Package for Festival Rush” to make festive travel smoother and more efficient. The initiative offers a 20% discount on the base fare of the return journey, provided passengers book confirmed tickets for both onward and return trips together.
Key Travel Windows and Booking Details
Bookings under this scheme open on August 14, 2025. The onward journey must be between October 13 and October 26, 2025, while the return journey should fall between November 17 and December 1, 2025. The return trip must be booked using the connecting journey option, and both journeys must have the same passengers, class, and route.
Eligibility and Restrictions
The offer is valid for all train classes except those with flexi-fare pricing. Only confirmed tickets qualify, and both journeys must be booked in the same mode—either entirely online or at a counter. Once booked, no refunds are allowed, and no additional concessions, vouchers, passes, or PTOs can be applied to the return trip.
Benefits for Passengers
This scheme aims to reduce the stress of securing return tickets during peak festival demand. Passengers can enjoy:
- Financial savings through the return fare discount.
- Peace of mind with both legs booked in advance.
- Better crowd distribution across trains, improving overall travel comfort.
By offering incentives for advance bookings, the Railways can manage occupancy more evenly, especially on popular routes and special trains.
Operational Impact
The Railway Board believes the scheme will improve utilization of train capacity and reduce the typical last-minute booking rush. The introduction of such offers signals a move towards more passenger-friendly, airline-style pricing models. If the trial proves successful, it could pave the way for permanent round-trip ticketing options.
Passenger Advisory
Passengers should carefully check travel dates before booking, as tickets under this scheme are non-refundable and changes are not permitted. The Railways has urged travelers to take advantage of the offer early, as festive seats are expected to fill quickly.
