Indian Railways launch round trip package with 20% return fare discount for festive season travel

Indian Railways has launched an experimental Round Trip Package offering a 20% rebate on the base fare of return tickets to manage passenger demand during the upcoming Diwali and Chhath festival seasons. Bookings for onward journeys will open on August 14, 2025, for travel dates between October 13 and October 26, 2025. The return journey tickets can be booked for travel between November 17 and December 1, 2025.

The discount applies only when both onward and return tickets are booked together for the same passengers, travel class, and origin-destination pair. Both tickets must be confirmed for the rebate to be applicable. The 20% discount is valid only on the base fare of the return journey and excludes any additional charges such as reservation fees or taxes.

The scheme is available across all travel classes and applies to regular and special trains, excluding those operating under the flexi fare system. Passengers must book both onward and return tickets through the same booking channel, either online or at reservation counters. The usual 60-day advance reservation period does not apply to the discounted return tickets.

No cancellations, refunds, or modifications will be permitted for tickets booked under this package. Passengers are also not allowed to use any other discounts, coupons, vouchers, or passes on the return journey ticket. Software updates and coordination with IRCTC and CRIS have been undertaken to ensure smooth implementation of the scheme.

The initiative aims to redistribute passenger traffic across the festival period to reduce overcrowding and optimize train utilization. This package provides passengers the opportunity to plan extended travel during the festival season with added financial benefits and booking convenience.