Traveling during festive seasons in India often comes with high demand, packed trains, and expensive ticket fares. To provide relief and encourage more people to use the railway network during peak seasons, the Indian Railways Festival Special Scheme 2025 has been introduced. This scheme offers a 20% discount on round-trip tickets booked for Diwali and Chhath Puja 2025, making festive travel more affordable for millions of passengers.
Why the Festival Special Scheme Was Introduced
Festivals like Diwali and Chhath see one of the highest travel volumes across India, especially in states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jharkhand. Train reservations during these periods sell out quickly, and ticket prices in premium classes often surge.
To support families traveling home for celebrations, Indian Railways has:
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Launched special discounted fares on round-trip tickets.
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Added festival special trains on high-demand routes.
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Encouraged advance booking through both IRCTC online platforms and ticket counters.
The scheme is designed to make festive travel more accessible, reduce the financial burden, and ensure smoother journeys.
Key Features of the Festival Scheme 2025
The Festival Special Ticket Scheme comes with several attractive features:
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20% Discount: Applicable on round-trip bookings for both sleeper and AC classes.
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Eligible Festivals: Diwali (October 2025) and Chhath Puja (November 2025).
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Routes Covered: Popular routes connecting Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Patna, Lucknow, Varanasi, Ranchi, and other high-demand cities.
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Booking Period: Advance reservations open 120 days before the travel date.
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Availability: Limited quota, first-come-first-serve basis.
Passengers who book early stand to benefit the most from these offers.
How to Avail the Discount
Booking discounted tickets under the scheme is simple:
Online Booking (IRCTC)
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Visit the official IRCTC website or app.
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Select Round Trip Option while booking.
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Choose eligible festival travel dates.
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The system will automatically apply the 20% discount.
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Complete payment online and download the e-ticket.
Offline Booking (Ticket Counters)
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Visit your nearest railway reservation counter.
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Request a round-trip ticket under the Festival Special Scheme.
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Present valid ID proof.
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Receive printed tickets with discounted fares.
Both online and offline methods are supported, ensuring access for passengers across urban and rural areas.
Benefits of the Festival Travel Discount
The scheme is expected to benefit millions of passengers in multiple ways:
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Affordable Travel: Families save significantly on long-distance trips.
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Reduced Stress: Round-trip booking ensures confirmed return tickets in advance.
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Encourages Rail Use: More passengers are likely to choose trains over buses or flights.
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Boosts Tourism: The discount is also expected to promote domestic tourism during the festive season.
Passenger Response and Expectations
The announcement has been welcomed by passengers, especially in states where festival migration is massive. Many travelers consider the scheme a much-needed relief amid rising costs of living. Rail experts believe the scheme will also reduce overcrowding by spreading bookings evenly over multiple trains.
Limitations of the Scheme
While attractive, the scheme does have a few limitations:
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Limited Quota: Once the discount quota is filled, tickets will be sold at regular prices.
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Specific Routes Only: Discounts are not available on all trains or routes.
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Round-Trip Rule: Passengers must book both onward and return tickets together to avail the discount.
Despite these restrictions, the scheme remains a highly beneficial initiative for festive travelers.
Key Takeaways
The Indian Railways Festival Special Scheme 2025 offers a 20% discount on round-trip tickets during Diwali and Chhath Puja. Covering popular routes across India, the scheme is aimed at making festive travel more affordable and convenient. Passengers are advised to book early through IRCTC or ticket counters to secure discounted fares.
FAQs
What is the Indian Railways Festival Special Scheme 2025?
It is a scheme that offers a 20% discount on round-trip tickets booked for Diwali and Chhath Puja 2025.
Which routes are covered under the scheme?
Major routes like Delhi–Patna, Mumbai–Varanasi, Kolkata–Lucknow, and other high-demand sectors.
Can I book these tickets online?
Yes, discounted round-trip tickets can be booked via the IRCTC website or mobile app.
Is the scheme available for AC classes?
Yes, the discount applies to both sleeper and AC class tickets.
Do I need to book onward and return tickets together?
Yes, the 20% discount is valid only if both onward and return tickets are booked in a single round-trip transaction.
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