Has Indian Railways Launched a Discounted 'Round Trip Package' for Festive Travel?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Discounted fares for both onward and return journeys.
- Rebate of 20% on return journey base fare.
- Same class and O-D pair required for bookings.
- No refunds or modifications permitted.
- Booking available through both online and offline methods.
New Delhi, Aug 9 (NationPress) In a bid to alleviate congestion and provide a smoother ticket booking experience during the upcoming peak festive periods, the Ministry of Railways announced on Saturday the introduction of a 'Round Trip Package' featuring discounted fares and rebate benefits.
This initiative aims to aid travelers and effectively distribute peak traffic across a broader timeframe during festive seasons while ensuring optimal utilization of trains, including special trains.
According to the Railways Ministry, they have decided to implement an experimental scheme titled the Round Trip Package specifically designed for the festive rush at reduced fares.
The scheme will cater to passengers who plan their return journey within the designated period.
Under this offer, rebates will apply when tickets for both the onward and return journeys are booked for the same group of travelers.
The details of the return journey must match those of the outbound trip. Passengers can begin booking their tickets from August 14 for the advance reservation period (ARP) starting on October 13.
An onward ticket should be booked first for travel dates between October 13, 2025, and October 26, 2025, followed by the return journey ticket using the connecting journey feature for dates between November 17 and December 1, 2025, as stated by the Ministry.
However, the advance reservation period will not be applicable for the return journey booking.
To take advantage of the railway's new special plan, tickets must be confirmed in both directions, and a total rebate of 20% will be provided on the base fare for the return journey only. Bookings under this scheme must be for the same class and origin-destination pair for both trips.
The Railways have clarified that refunds will not be permitted for tickets booked under this program.
This offer is valid for all classes across all trains, including special trains (trains on demand), except those with a Flexi fare.
Additionally, modifications to these tickets will not be allowed for either journey, and discounts, rail travel coupons, voucher-based bookings, or passes will not be accepted for the return journey booked at a concessional fare.
Passengers can book their tickets through both online and offline channels; however, both onward and return journey tickets must be purchased using the same method (either online or offline).