IRCTC’s Round-Trip Discount Scheme – Step-by-Step Booking Guide To Book Train Tickets

As the festive season approaches, Indian Railways has unveiled a new Round Trip Travel Scheme designed to make holiday travel more affordable and convenient. Passengers booking both onward and return journeys under this initiative will receive a 20% discount on the base fare of their return ticket, helping families and travellers save money during peak travel periods.

In a statement released on August 9, the government said, "Bookings start on 14 August 2025 for onward travel between 13 October and 26 October 2025. The onward ticket must be booked first, and the return ticket can then be booked using the connecting journey feature for travel between 17 November and 1 December 2025. The advance reservation period rule will not apply to the return journey."

Scheme Overview

Booking Starts: 14th August 2025

Onward Travel Window: 13th October - 26th October 2025

Return Travel Window: 17th November - 1st December 2025

Key Benefit: 20% discount on base fare for return tickets (excluding taxes and other charges)

Flexibility: No advance reservation period (ARP) restrictions for return bookings

Eligibility: Only confirmed (CNF) tickets; dynamic/flexi-fare trains excluded

Why This Scheme Matters

The festive season sees a massive surge in rail travel, with millions commuting for Diwali, Chhath Puja, and other celebrations. This scheme encourages two-way bookings, ensuring better seat utilization and reducing last-minute ticket shortages. By incentivizing early round-trip reservations, Indian Railways aims to:
✔ Cut costs for passengers
✔ Streamline bookings and reduce congestion
✔ Optimize train occupancy in both directions

Step-by-Step Booking Guide

1. Booking the Onward Journey (13 Oct - 26 Oct 2025)

• Open IRCTC Rail Connect App → Select "Train" → Tap "Festival Round Trip".
• Read scheme details → Confirm to proceed.
• Search trains (only those with "CNF" availability are eligible).
• Select train & class (Flexi/Dynamic fare trains excluded).
• Enter passenger details carefully (same will apply for return journey).
• Complete payment → Onward PNR generated.
• After booking, an option for "Book Return Journey (20% Discount)" will appear.

2. Booking the Return Journey (17 Nov - 1 Dec 2025)

• From the booking confirmation page (or "My Bookings"), tap "Book Return Journey".
• Source & destination stations auto-fill (cannot be modified).
• Search return trains (within the specified dates).
• Select class → The fare displayed already includes the 20% discount on base fare.
• Review passenger details (no changes allowed).
• Make payment → Return PNR generated.

Important Considerations

Discount applies only to base fare (not additional charges like GST, superfast fees, etc.).

Example: If a ticket's total cost is ₹1,000 (₹700 base fare + ₹300 taxes), the 20% discount applies only to ₹700, saving you ₹140.

No modifications allowed for passenger details or route after onward booking.

Only confirmed (CNF) tickets eligible-RAC/WL bookings do not qualify.

Who Should Book Under This Scheme?

Festival travelers (Diwali, Chhath Puja, etc.)

Family vacationers planning return trips

Budget-conscious passengers looking to save on rail fares

Final Takeaways

Indian Railways' Festive Round Trip Scheme is a well-timed initiative to ease holiday travel hassles while offering real savings. By booking early and securing both journeys, passengers can avoid last-minute fare surges and enjoy a smoother travel experience.