Indian Railways’ New “Round Trip Package”: 20% Off Return Tickets
Indian Railways launches ‘Round Trip Package’ with 20% off on return tickets—save more on your next train journey with easy IRCTC booking.
Ellofacts
Introduction
Amid growing train travel demand during the festive rush, Indian Railways has introduced a budget-friendly offer: a 20% discount on return tickets under a new “Round Trip Package.” This pioneering scheme aims to promote advance bookings, manage crowding effectively, and enhance travel convenience during Diwali and Chhath festivals.
Background & Announcement
Announced officially on August 9, 2025, the Ministry of Railways unveiled this experimental scheme to smoothen travel and ease congestion at stations . Bookings open from August 14, targeting onward travel between October 13 and 26, 2025, with return journeys permitted between November 17 and December 1, 2025
Offer Details & Eligibility
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Discount: 20% off on the base fare of the return journey only .
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Eligibility:
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Book both onward and return tickets for the same set of passengers, same class, and same origin-destination pair
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Only confirmed tickets qualify—no waitlist
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Valid across all classes and trains, including special trains, but excluding flexi-fare services
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Booking Process & Conditions
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Begin with booking the onward ticket first, followed by the return using the "connecting journey" feature
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Advance Reservation Period (ARP) does not apply to return journey booking
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Tickets must be booked through the same mode—either fully online or at reservation counters
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No refunds, modifications, or additional concessions are allowed. Travel coupons, passes, or vouchers cannot be used in conjunction with this deal
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o extra fare will be collected during charting for such PNRs
Benefits of the Round Trip Package
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Cost Savings: Passengers enjoy a 20% reduction on round-trip costs.
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Ease of Booking: Encourages planning ahead, reducing last-minute stress.
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Managed Crowd Flow: Helps distribute passenger traffic and alleviate station congestion
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Better Utilisation: Enhances train use in both onward and return legs, including special runs
Significance
This initiative is a thoughtful response to the challenges of festival rush travel. It not only benefits passengers financially but also mirrors the broader goal of improving operational efficiency in railway services during peak seasons.
Key Points Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | August 9, 2025 |
| Booking Start | August 14, 2025 |
| Onward Travel Period | October 13–26, 2025 |
| Return Travel Period | November 17–December 1, 2025 |
| Eligibility | Same passengers, class, route; confirmed tickets only |
| Discount Offered | 20% on return base fare |
| Booking Mode | Must be same for both legs; no refunds or modifications allowed |
| Applicability | All classes, including special trains; excludes flexi-fare services |
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Easier travel planning for families and frequent travelers.
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Reduced ticket costs encourage more people to book return trips early.
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Decreased overcrowding during peak times.
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Benefits both regular and festival-specific train services.
Disadvantages
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Strict conditions: No flexibility in changes or cancellations.
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Limited to specific travel windows, potentially excluding other travel needs.
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Requires digital capability or timely counter visits—could be difficult for some travelers.
Conclusion
The Indian Railways Round Trip Package is a forward-thinking solution for festival travel woes. By offering tangible discounts, reinforcing route utilization, and simplifying booking, it benefits both passengers and the railway system. Although it comes with limitations, its advantages make it a welcome step toward smarter, more empathetic transport policy.
