Indian Railways round-trip scheme: How to save 20% with IRCTC Rail Connect app

IRCTC has launched a round-trip package scheme, offering travellers a significant discount of up to 20% on the base fare of their journey, provided that they book tickets for both ways at once through the IRCTC Rail Connect mobile application.

Further, the discount will only be applicable when tickets for both going and return journeys are booked for the same passenger(s).

The offer has been introduced specifically for the festive season, at a time when the rush time is just around the corner. It is aimed at encouraging users to plan round-trip journeys and distribute traffic in a better way to enhance the utilisation of trains.

Important dates for IRCTC round-trip scheme

Tickets must be booked for travel between October 13 and October 26 (onward) and between November 26 and December 1 (return). Bookings under the scheme started on August 14, 2025.

How to book a round-trip journey

• Download the IRCTC Rail Connect App
• Open the app and go to ‘Train’
• Read and accept the terms.
• Search for trains departing between October 13 and October 26
• Enter passenger details (the same should be entered for the return journey)
• Complete the payment. Once done, you will see a PNR and the option to ‘Book Return Journey’
• From the confirmation page (or under My Bookings), select the PNR for the onward journey.
• Click on ‘Book Return Journey’ and confirm the details. The source and destination stations will be selected automatically (as this is a round trip).
• Choose a travel date between November 17 and December 1
• Select train and class, and the discount of 20% (on the base price) will be applied automatically.
• Verify the passenger details.
• Complete the payment and save the PNR for the return journey.

Along with ticket booking under this scheme, you can also book meals, retiring rooms, hotels, and change boarding points (if needed). This scheme is expected to help with the festive travel rush and help passengers save more on their journey.