Indian Railways Festive Season Round Trip Discount Plan Announced: If you’re planning to travel home or visit family this festive season, I’ve got some great news for you! It’s Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at 10:53 AM IST, and the Indian Railways has just rolled out an exciting round trip discount plan to make your journeys smoother and lighter on your wallet. With festivals like Diwali and Chhath just around the corner, this is the perfect time to start planning.
Indian Railways Festive Season Round Trip Discount Plan Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Discount | 20% on return trip base fare |
| Booking Start Date | August 14, 2025 |
| Onward Travel | October 13 – October 26, 2025 |
| Return Travel | November 17 – December 1, 2025 |
| Eligible Trains | All except flexi-fare (e.g., Rajdhani) |
| Booking Method | Online (IRCTC) or counter |
| Conditions | Same passengers, class, route; no changes allowed |
What’s This Festive Discount Plan All About?
The Indian Railways has launched a special “Round Trip Package for Festival Rush” to help you travel during the busy festive months of October to December 2025. This plan gives you a 20% discount on the return journey if you book both your onward and return tickets together. It’s a smart move to spread out the crowd and make sure everyone can get a seat, especially when trains get packed during Diwali, Dussehra, and Chhath. The idea is to encourage you to plan ahead, save some cash, and enjoy the festivities without the usual travel stress.
This offer isn’t just for regular trains; it covers special festival trains too, though some premium ones like Rajdhani or Shatabdi with flexi fares are excluded. The discount applies only to the base fare of your return trip, not extra charges like reservation fees. With travel costs adding up, this 20% cut—potentially saving you hundreds of rupees, feels like a festive gift from the Railways.
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When Can You Book and Travel?
The timing is key, so let’s break it down. You can start booking your tickets from August 14, 2025, for travel between October 13 and October 26, 2025, for the onward journey. Your return trip should be planned between November 17 and December 1, 2025. This lines up perfectly with the festive rush, giving you a window to travel back home and return after the celebrations. The advance reservation period doesn’t apply to the return leg, making it easier to lock in your plans.
Since bookings open tomorrow, it’s a good idea to act fast. With millions traveling during this time, seats will fill up quickly. The Railways has set this up to balance the load, so booking early ensures you get your preferred train and class.
How Does the Discount Work?
you need to book both your onward and return tickets together using the “connecting journey” feature on the IRCTC website or at a railway counter. The 20% discount kicks in on the base fare of your return trip, but only if the details match—same passengers, same class (like Sleeper or AC 3-Tier), and same origin-destination pair. For example, if you’re traveling from Mumbai to Pune and back, both tickets must reflect that route.
Who Can Benefit from This Offer?
This plan is for anyone planning a festive trip, but it’s especially handy for:
- Families: Traveling with kids or elders can get pricey, and this discount helps.
- Students: Going home from college cities like Delhi or Bangalore.
- Workers: Returning to hometowns for the holidays.
- Budget Travelers: Those looking to save on train fares.
How to Book Your Tickets?
- Visit IRCTC: Go to irctc.co.in or use the app.
- Select Connecting Journey: Choose the option for round trip and enter your dates.
- Pick Train and Class: Ensure both legs match (e.g., AC 2-Tier both ways).
- Enter Details: Add passenger names—must be the same for both trips.
- Pay and Confirm: The 20% discount will show on the return fare. Save your e-ticket!
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Savings You Can Expect
Let’s do some quick math. If your return base fare is ₹2,000, the 20% discount saves you ₹400. For a family of four, that’s ₹1,600 saved! Add train food or platform costs, and this could cover a nice meal. The exact savings depend on your route and class, but it’s a solid deal.
FAQs
Can I change my ticket after booking?
No, changes or cancellations aren’t allowed once confirmed.
Does the discount apply to all trains?
Yes, except flexi-fare trains like Shatabdi or Rajdhani.
What if I miss my train?
You’ll lose the ticket, as no refunds are offered—plan your time well.
Can I book online and offline together?
No, both tickets must be booked the same way.
When will I see the discount?
It’s applied automatically at booking on the return fare.