Indian Railways Announces Festive Season Return Journey Discount
In a bid to manage the surge in passenger traffic during the festive season later this year, the Ministry of Railways has introduced a special travel discount for confirmed return journeys. The scheme, announced on Saturday, offers passengers a 20% rebate on the base fare of their return tickets when booking travel between October 13 and October 26 for the onward journey, and between November 17 and December 1 for the return leg.
The move comes as Indian Railways anticipates a significant increase in bookings during the upcoming festive months, including Navratri, Dussehra, Diwali, and Chhath Puja. The ministry said the initiative aims to encourage advance planning and ensure smoother operations during peak travel times.
Booking Window and Travel Dates
The Railway Ministry stated that bookings under this scheme will open on August 14, 2025, for onward travel starting October 13, 2025. Passengers must first book their onward tickets for travel between October 13 and October 26, and then use the “connecting journey” feature to reserve their return tickets for travel between November 17 and December 1.
Notably, the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) restriction for the onward journey will not apply to the return leg, giving passengers more flexibility in securing their tickets.
Applicable Trains and Conditions
The discount will apply only to confirmed tickets in both directions, and both the onward and return journeys must be in the same class, between the same origin and destination, and on the same train. The scheme is not valid on premium flexi-fare trains, such as the Rajdhani, Shatabdi, and Duronto Express services.
The ministry clarified that the 20% discount will be applied only to the base fare of the return ticket, and not to other charges such as reservation fees, catering, or taxes.
Passenger Details Must Match
A key requirement of the scheme is that passenger details must be identical for both the onward and return journeys. This means the names, ages, and ID details of travelers must match exactly between both tickets. Partial passenger changes will not be allowed under the discount policy.
Additionally, bookings made under this scheme will be non-refundable. Passengers will not be able to claim any refund if they cancel their tickets, even partially.
How the Discount Works
To avail of the discount, passengers must follow these steps:
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Book the onward ticket first for travel between October 13–26, 2025.
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Book the return ticket using the “connecting journey” feature for travel between November 17–December 1, 2025.
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Ensure both bookings are for the same passengers, same train, same class, and same route.
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The 20% rebate will be automatically applied to the base fare of the return journey at the time of booking.
The ministry said this automated system will make the process smooth and transparent for passengers.
Objective Behind the Scheme
The Railways often experiences a heavy passenger rush during the festive months, resulting in sold-out trains and long waiting lists. By encouraging passengers to book both onward and return journeys in advance, officials hope to distribute demand more evenly and avoid last-minute booking chaos.
A senior Railway official said, “This scheme is designed to benefit passengers who plan their travel early while also helping Indian Railways manage peak demand more efficiently. We expect this to be especially popular among families and groups traveling home for the festivals.”
Passenger Reactions and Expectations
While the scheme has been welcomed by many, some frequent travelers have pointed out limitations, such as the restriction to the same train for both legs and the absence of applicability on premium trains. However, for passengers willing to commit early to fixed travel plans, the 20% saving on the return fare could amount to substantial savings, especially for longer journeys.
Travel industry experts believe that this move could also indirectly encourage tourism, as passengers might combine family visits with leisure travel during the festive season.
Conclusion
The festive season discount scheme by Indian Railways is a strategic initiative to balance demand, enhance passenger convenience, and offer financial relief during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. With bookings opening on August 14, 2025, passengers are advised to plan early and take advantage of this limited-time offer.
