New Delhi
The Ministry of Railways is rolling out a new “Round Trip Package for Festival Rush” scheme. This initiative aims to reduce crowding and make travel easier during the festive season.
According to a Railway Board announcement from August 8, 2025, passengers can enjoy a 20% discount on their return fares. To qualify, travelers must book confirmed tickets for both their onward and return trips, for the same people, class, and route. The goal is to balance passenger loads and improve train service utilization.
Bookings will start on August 14, 2025, for trips scheduled from October 13 to October 26. Returns can be booked for travel between November 17 and December 1, 2025. Interestingly, the return journey’s advance booking rules are different—there’s no limit on how far in advance you can buy those tickets. This offer applies to all train classes and types, except those with flexible pricing.
Passengers must book both journeys using the same method, whether online or at ticket counters. There will be no extra fees during the charting process for these tickets, but keep in mind that refunds for the discounted tickets won’t be available.
This scheme does not allow for any changes or additional benefits. For example, travel coupons, vouchers, or passes cannot be used for the discounted return trip. The Railway Board is also encouraging zonal railways to promote this package through announcements and media outreach.
As we gear up for the festive season, such measures could significantly enhance the travel experience. With recent statistics showing a significant rise in train travel during festivals, this initiative might just be what passengers need. According to a recent report, train bookings tend to spike by over 30% during holiday weeks, making management and efficiency crucial.
Overall, this round trip package is a step towards smoother and more organized travel in what is often a hectic season. It showcases the government’s focus on improving passenger services, ensuring more people can enjoy their holidays with less hassle.
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