Festive Rail Package To Ease Diwali-Chhath Rush
New Delhi: Indian Railways has unveiled a festive treat for travellers planning a five-week break during Diwali and Chhath, launching an experimental ‘Round Trip Package’ with a 20% rebate on the base fare of return journeys to ease festival rush and spread crowds.
The scheme, announced by the Ministry of Railways today, targets passengers booking confirmed tickets for onward journeys between October 13 and 26, 2025, and return journeys between November 17 and December 1, 2025, with bookings opening August 14. Aimed at redistributing peak traffic and boosting train utilisation, including special trains, the initiative promises hassle-free travel but comes with strict rules: no refunds, no modifications, and same passenger details for both legs. As New Delhi buzzes with festive anticipation, this pilot could reshape holiday travel, though its rigid terms invite scrutiny.
The Round Trip Package, designed to manage festival crowds, requires passengers to book both onward and return journeys together, with the same set of passengers, class, and origin-destination pair. Bookings start August 14, 2025, for onward travel from October 13 to 26, 2025, using the connecting journey feature on the IRCTC website or reservation counters for return trips from November 17 to December 1, 2025. Unlike the standard 60-day advance reservation period, return journey tickets bypass this restriction, offering flexibility for festive planning. The 20% rebate applies only to the base fare of the return journey, provided both tickets are confirmed and booked via the same mode—either online through IRCTC or at reservation counters. The scheme covers all classes and trains, including special trains, except those with flexi-fare pricing.
Stringent conditions define the package. No refunds or modifications are allowed for either journey, ensuring commitment from travellers. Additional fare collection during charting is waived, sparing passengers unexpected costs. However, no other discounts, rail travel coupons, voucher-based bookings, passes, or PTOs are permitted for the discounted return journey. This experimental scheme, aimed at balancing festive demand and train capacity, excludes trains with dynamic pricing, preserving their premium structure. By requiring identical passenger details and booking modes, the Railways aim to streamline operations and curb misuse, though the no-refund policy may deter some.
The initiative responds to the chaotic festival rush, particularly in North India, where Diwali and Chhath drive massive rail travel. By incentivising round-trip bookings, the Railways seek to distribute passengers across a wider travel window, reducing strain on peak dates. The inclusion of special trains ensures capacity, but the scheme’s success hinges on traveller uptake and adherence to its rigid terms. As New Delhi’s stations brace for festive crowds, this pilot could set a precedent for future seasons, though its restrictive rules may spark debate among passengers seeking flexibility.
– global bihari bureau
