- Ministry of Railways launches Round-Trip Package Scheme with 20% discount on return tickets.
- Bookings start August 14 for travel between October 13-26 (onward) and November 17-December 1 (return).
- Scheme excludes flexi-fare trains like Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto; no refunds allowed.
Indian Railways has rolled out a Round-Trip Package Scheme ahead of the festive season, offering passengers a 20% concession on return journey tickets. The move is aimed at making train travel more budget-friendly and hassle-free during peak demand.
The discount will be available only for reserved classes and will not apply to trains running under the flexi-fare system. Railway officials said the scheme is expected to benefit a large number of travellers heading home or on vacation during the holidays. Passengers can check detailed guidelines on eligibility, booking procedures, discounts, and additional benefits under the new scheme.
Who Can Use the Round-Trip Package Scheme and Important Conditions
The scheme is open to all passengers booking reserved class tickets for eligible trains, except Rajdhani, Duronto, and Shatabdi trains which follow the flexi-fare system. To get the discount, both onward and return journey tickets must be booked for the same passengers, and the return journey must be on the same train as the onward journey.
Key conditions include:
- Onward journey travel dates: October 13 to October 26, 2025.
- Return journey travel dates: November 17 to December 1, 2025.
- Booking for onward journey starts August 14, 2025.
- No refunds allowed for tickets booked under this scheme.
- Discount applies only to the base fare of the return journey ticket.
- Both onward and return tickets must be booked using the same method (online or in-person).
- No discounts or concessions allowed on return journey bookings.
How to Book Under the Round-Trip Package Scheme
Booking under this scheme is simple but you must follow the steps and rules carefully to get the discount.
Discount Details and Fare Rules
You will get a 20% discount on the base fare of the return journey ticket only if both onward and return tickets are booked together for the same passengers. The scheme does not allow any refunds, so make sure your travel plans are firm before booking. The discount is not valid on flexi-fare trains or on any concessional fares, rail travel coupons, vouchers, passes, or PTO.
Trains and Travel Periods Covered by the Scheme
The scheme covers all reserved classes except trains running under the flexi-fare system such as Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto. Travel periods are fixed with onward journeys between October 13 and October 26, 2025, and return journeys between November 17 and December 1, 2025. This timing is set to help manage the busy festival travel demand well.
Benefits of the Round-Trip Package Scheme for Passengers
This scheme is made to help you avoid the usual rush during festival seasons by encouraging early and round-trip bookings. It guarantees seats on both onward and return journeys, making your travel planning easier and more affordable. The 20% discount on return tickets is a big saving, especially for families and frequent travelers.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Booking Start Date | August 14, 2025 |
| Onward Journey Travel Dates | October 13 – October 26, 2025 |
| Return Journey Travel Dates | November 17 – December 1, 2025 |
| Discount Offered | 20% on base fare of return ticket |
| Trains Excluded | Rajdhani, Duronto, Shatabdi (flexi-fare trains) |
| Refund Policy | No refunds allowed under this scheme |
| Booking Mode | Same method for onward and return (online or in-person) |
| Official Website | https://indianrailways.gov.in |
Make sure to plan your travel and book early starting August 14 to get the most from the Round-Trip Package Scheme. This scheme by Indian Railways is a welcome step to ease festival travel and save money on your return journey fares.