New Delhi Railways Launches Discounted Round Trip Package For Festive Travel
New Delhi – In a bid to make festive season travel smoother, more affordable, and environmentally efficient, Indian Railways has unveiled an experimental Round Trip Package that offers passengers a rebate on return tickets for journeys booked during the upcoming holiday period. The initiative, according to officials, is aimed at redistributing peak passenger loads while improving train utilisation in both directions.
The scheme, set to begin bookings from 14 August, applies to travel between 13 and 26 October for onward journeys, with corresponding return trips between 17 November and 1 December. Passengers booking both legs under the scheme will receive a 20% rebate on the base fare of the return journey, provided tickets are confirmed and for the same class, train type, and origin-destination pair.
Officials emphasised that the policy has been crafted to encourage planned travel and reduce the last-minute rush that often leads to overcrowding and logistical strain during festive periods. This approach not only improves passenger convenience but also optimises resource allocation, contributing to more energy-efficient rail operations—a crucial factor in lowering the sector’s carbon footprint. Under the scheme, both tickets must be booked through the same mode, either online or offline, and passenger details must remain identical for both journeys. While the plan covers all classes and trains, including Trains on Demand, it excludes services with Flexi Fare pricing. No modifications, refunds, or concessional fare vouchers will be permitted once tickets are booked under this package.
Rail experts note that such structured booking incentives can help align travel demand with sustainable transport goals. By ensuring fuller train loads in both directions, railways can avoid running underutilised services that waste fuel and operational resources. Given that trains remain one of the lowest carbon-emitting modes of mass transit, encouraging their use during peak periods supports India’s broader environmental commitments. Passenger advocacy groups have welcomed the move, stating that it provides a predictable and transparent fare advantage, allowing travellers—especially families—to plan their trips without the fear of last-minute fare spikes or ticket shortages.
The scheme also reflects the railways’ wider strategy of modernising ticketing systems, enhancing passenger experience, and balancing operational efficiency with affordability. If the trial run during this festive season proves successful, officials suggest that similar structured rebate schemes could become a regular feature during major travel periods, potentially reducing dependence on less sustainable modes of transport. As India’s cities and towns brace for the annual festive rush, such targeted measures could play a pivotal role in making travel not only more accessible but also more sustainable for millions of passengers nationwide.
