The Ministry of Railways is introducing a “Round Trip Package for Festival Rush” to improve travel during the busy festive season. This new scheme, announced in August 2025, offers a 20% discount on the return journey for passengers booking confirmed tickets for both legs of their trip. This could make traveling more affordable and accessible for many during the rush.
Bookings will start on August 14, 2025, for journeys set between October 13 and October 26. Return tickets must be arranged as connecting journeys for travel from November 17 to December 1. Notably, there’s no restriction on advance booking for the return leg, which is a nice perk for travelers.
Importantly, this offer is available in all classes and on special trains too, except for those with flexi-fare pricing. Passengers must book both legs of the trip through the same method—either online or at reservation counters.
This initiative comes at a time when train travel demand peaks. According to a recent study by the Indian Railways, travel-related bookings have surged by over 30% during festive periods in recent years. The railway authorities hope this scheme will help balance the passenger load and ensure smoother travel for everyone involved.
However, there are some rules. Both tickets must be booked together, and no changes or refunds are allowed for tickets purchased under this scheme. Passengers should also note that rail travel coupons, vouchers, and passes aren’t valid for this discount.
To raise awareness, the Railway Board is encouraging zonal railways to promote this scheme through various media channels. Keeping travelers informed can help many make the most of this cost-saving opportunity.
With travel trends shifting toward more budget-friendly options, this initiative could be a step in the right direction for the festive rush ahead.
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