The Ministry of Railways has introduced an experimental scheme titled “Round Trip Package for Festival Rush” to ease congestion and provide smoother travel during the upcoming festive season.
Discount aimed at easing festival crowding
As per a Railway Board circular issued on 8 August 2025, passengers booking confirmed tickets for both onward and return journeys on the same route, in the same class, and for the same set of travellers will receive a 20 per cent rebate on the base fare of the return trip. The initiative is designed to redistribute crowding, facilitate smoother bookings, and ensure optimum utilisation of trains, including special services in both directions.
Booking window and conditions
Reservations under the scheme will open on 14 August 2025. The onward journey must fall between 13 and 26 October 2025, while the corresponding return travel can be booked for dates between 17 November and 1 December 2025 using the connecting journey feature. The advance reservation period will not apply to return bookings, but both legs must be purchased through the same channel, either online or at railway counters.
Scope and restrictions
The scheme is valid across all classes and trains, including special services, but excludes those operating on the flexi-fare system. Only confirmed tickets qualify, and the rules clearly state that no modifications, additional concessions, or refunds will be allowed. Rail travel coupons, passes, vouchers, and PTOs cannot be used for discounted journeys under this offer.
Public awareness measures
The Railway Board has directed zonal railways to widely publicise the scheme through media, press coverage, and station announcements. The Ministry emphasised that the initiative is experimental in nature and aimed at providing relief to passengers during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
