Indian Railways has launched a new Round-Trip Package Scheme aimed at making festive travel easier for passengers. This scheme offers a 20% discount on the base fare of the return journey. It comes as a relief for those travelling during busy festival times. The initiative is designed to improve seat utilisation and manage crowds during peak travel periods.
Passengers can benefit from this scheme by booking both onward and return tickets together. To qualify for the discount, details for both journeys must be identical. This includes passenger names, train numbers, and travel class. Only confirmed tickets for both legs will be eligible for the discount, which is applied only to the base fare of the return ticket, excluding any extra charges.
The booking window for this scheme opens on 14 August 2025. It covers travel dates from 13 October to 26 October 2025, coinciding with the Dussehra and Navratri festivals. A second booking window will be available for journeys between 17 November and 1 December 2025, which aligns with the Diwali and Chhath festival rush.
To avail of this offer, passengers must ensure that they are booking the same train pair and class for both journeys. Bookings are non-refundable and non-modifiable. It is also required that both journeys be booked using the same method, either online or offline.
This scheme is expected to bring several benefits. Passengers will save on return fares and secure confirmed seats for both journeys, making travel planning smoother during peak seasons. Indian Railways hopes that this initiative will encourage early bookings, reduce last-minute rush, and ensure better occupancy of trains.
Railway officials have noted that it is crucial for passengers to adhere to the booking conditions. Tickets booked under this scheme cannot be modified or refunded. Additionally, discounts do not apply to tickets purchased using railway passes, coupons, or vouchers.
The introduction of the Round-Trip Package Scheme is part of Indian Railways’ efforts to enhance the travel experience during busy festive periods. By providing significant savings and ensuring confirmed seating, the scheme aims to make festive travel less stressful and more economical for everyone involved.
Passengers can find information about schedules and availability on the Indian Railways website and at station counters. With this initiative, Indian Railways hopes to create a more organised and pleasant travel atmosphere during the busy festival season.