- Over 12,000 special train services launched for Bihar’s Diwali and Chhath Puja 2025 to handle festive travel demand.
- Introduction of Buddha Circuit Train and new Vande Bharat Express routes to boost tourism and connectivity.
- New Round Trip Package offers 20% discount on confirmed return tickets for festival travel between October and December.
Planning your festive travel in Bihar just got easier with the Round Trip Package for Festival Rush. This new scheme by Indian Railways, along with the launch of over 12,000 special train services, aims to provide smooth and affordable travel during Diwali and Chhath Puja 2025. Whether you’re visiting family or exploring spiritual sites, these plans make travel convenient and save you money.
To manage the increase in passenger demand during the festive season, the Ministry of Railways has announced more than 12,000 special trains across Bihar. This big increase in rail services will help reduce crowding and give plenty of travel options for people celebrating Diwali and Chhath Puja.
Buddha Circuit and Vande Bharat Express Improvements
A key feature is the launch of the Buddha Circuit Train starting from Vaishali. This train connects important heritage and spiritual places like Hajipur, Patliputra, Nalanda, Rajgir, and Gaya, encouraging tourism and pilgrimage in the area.
Also, a new Vande Bharat Express route between Purnea and Patna will be introduced. This modern train service offers faster and more comfortable travel, improving connectivity within Bihar.
Round Trip Package Scheme for Festival Rush: 20% Discount on Return Tickets
To make festive travel more affordable, Indian Railways has started an experimental Round Trip Package for Festival Rush. Passengers booking confirmed onward and return tickets for the same journey during the festival period will get a 20% discount on the return fare.
Booking Process and Eligibility for the Round Trip Package
Booking under this scheme is easy. You need to book confirmed tickets for both onward and return journeys for the same group of travellers, class, and origin-destination pair. The onward journey should be between October 13 and October 26, 2025, and the return journey between November 17 and December 1, 2025.
Both tickets must be booked through the same method, either online or at reservation counters. The advance reservation period rule does not apply to the return journey under this scheme, giving you more flexibility.
Terms, Conditions, and Restrictions of the Festival Travel Scheme
Here are some important points to keep in mind before using the discount:
- The scheme applies to all classes and trains, including special trains, except those with flexi-fare pricing.
- Only confirmed tickets qualify; waitlisted or RAC tickets are not eligible.
- Tickets booked using rail travel coupons, vouchers, passes, or PTOs are excluded.
- No fare refunds or ticket changes are allowed once booked under this scheme.
- The discount is only on the base fare of the return journey.
Railway zones have been asked to widely promote this scheme through media, press, and station announcements to make sure as many passengers as possible know about it.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Special Trains | 12,000+ |
| Festival Period (Onward Journey) | October 13 – October 26, 2025 |
| Festival Period (Return Journey) | November 17 – December 1, 2025 |
| Discount on Return Fare | 20% on base fare |
| Booking Start Date | August 14, 2025 |
| Eligible Trains | All classes and trains except flexi-fare trains |
| Official Website | indianrailways.gov.in |
With these new services and the Round Trip Package, your festive travel in Bihar can be more comfortable, convenient, and budget-friendly. Make sure to plan and book your tickets early to enjoy the benefits and celebrate the festivals without any hassle.