Traveling by train has always been one of the most affordable and convenient ways to explore India. From long-distance journeys across states to short intercity trips, the Indian Railways caters to millions of passengers every single day. Now, to make travel even more cost-effective, Indian Railways has introduced the Round Trip Ticket Scheme, offering passengers the chance to save 20% on return fares.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the scheme, including who can avail it, how it works, and the step-by-step process to book your ticket via the IRCTC Rail Connect App. If you’re planning a journey soon, this guide will help you travel smarter while saving money.
What is the Indian Railways Round Trip Scheme?
The Round Trip Ticket Scheme by Indian Railways is designed for passengers who are planning to travel to a destination and return within the same booking. Traditionally, passengers needed to book two separate tickets—one for onward travel and another for the return. With this new scheme:
- You can book both onward and return journeys together.
- Get a 20% discount on the return fare.
- Enjoy the convenience of one seamless booking without the hassle of repeated ticketing.
This scheme is particularly useful for:
- Business travelers who frequently travel to and from the same city.
- Students commuting between their hometowns and colleges.
- Families planning a short vacation and returning within a fixed timeline.
Benefits of the Round Trip Ticket Scheme
Before we dive into the booking process, let’s understand why this scheme is gaining popularity:
- Cost Savings: The biggest advantage is the 20% discount on return fare.
- Time-Saving: No need to book two separate tickets; a single booking covers both journeys.
- Flexibility: Passengers can choose different classes (sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, etc.) for onward and return trips.
- Guaranteed Return: Since both tickets are booked together, passengers secure seats for their return journey well in advance.
How to Avail the Scheme via IRCTC Rail Connect App
The IRCTC Rail Connect App has simplified the way passengers book tickets. With a few taps, you can book your round trip and unlock the discount. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Download and Log in to the App
- If you don’t already have it, download the IRCTC Rail Connect App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Log in using your registered IRCTC user ID and password.
Step 2: Choose the “Book Ticket” Option
- On the home screen, tap on ‘Plan My Journey’ or ‘Book Ticket’.
- Enter your departure station and destination station.
Step 3: Select Round Trip Option
- Unlike traditional bookings, select the ‘Round Trip’ option.
- Enter dates for both onward and return journeys.
Step 4: Browse Trains and Classes
- The app will display train options for both journeys.
- Choose the class of travel (Sleeper, 3AC, 2AC, 1AC, or Executive Chair Car).
- You can pick different classes for onward and return if required.
Step 5: Confirm Passenger Details
- Enter passenger details like name, age, gender, and berth preference.
- Confirm the list and proceed.
Step 6: Review Fare and Discount
- At this stage, the app automatically applies the 20% discount on your return fare.
- Review the total amount payable before continuing.
Step 7: Make Payment
- Choose from multiple payment methods: UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Cards, or Wallets.
- Once payment is successful, your e-tickets will be generated instantly.
Step 8: Access Your Tickets
- Go to ‘My Bookings’ in the app to view, download, or cancel your tickets.
- You can also use the app for live train status updates.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
While the scheme is designed for passenger convenience, here are some key points you must remember:
- The scheme is valid only when both onward and return trips are booked together.
- Cancellation and refund rules apply separately for each journey.
- Discounts are applied only to the base fare of the return ticket (excludes taxes and service charges).
- Ensure that your IRCTC account is active and KYC-verified for smooth booking.
Why This Scheme is a Game Changer
The Round Trip Scheme is not just about saving money; it’s about making train travel more organized. For passengers who travel frequently, it eliminates the stress of last-minute ticket availability. Moreover, the integration with the IRCTC Rail Connect App makes it easy for even first-time users to book without confusion.
This scheme is also a strategic move by Indian Railways to:
- Encourage passengers to plan their journeys in advance.
- Reduce congestion on booking systems by consolidating tickets.
- Promote digital ticketing adoption through the IRCTC app.
Tips to Maximize Your Savings on Train Tickets
Besides the Round Trip Scheme, here are some smart ways to save even more money on train travel:
- Book Early: Indian Railways opens reservations 120 days in advance. Early bookings increase your chances of getting confirmed tickets.
- Use Loyalty Points: If you’ve linked loyalty wallets or reward programs, redeem them for discounts.
- Check Off-Peak Travel: Fares are often lower for weekday journeys compared to weekends.
- Opt for Digital Payments: Sometimes, specific banks or wallets provide cashback offers on ticket booking.
SEO-Friendly FAQs on Round Trip Ticket Scheme
1. What is the Indian Railways Round Trip Scheme?
It’s a new scheme where passengers can book both onward and return journeys in one booking and get a 20% discount on the return fare.
2. Can I book round trip tickets online?
Yes, you can easily book through the IRCTC Rail Connect App or the official IRCTC website.
3. Is the 20% discount applicable to all classes?
Yes, the discount applies across different travel classes including Sleeper, AC, and Chair Car.
4. What if I cancel one leg of the journey?
Cancellation rules apply individually to each leg of the journey, and refunds are processed accordingly.
5. Can I use UPI to pay for round trip tickets?
Absolutely. The app supports UPI along with debit/credit cards, net banking, and wallets.
Final Thoughts
The Indian Railways Round Trip Ticket Scheme is a fantastic step toward making train travel more budget-friendly and hassle-free. With a 20% discount on return fares, passengers now have the opportunity to save while enjoying seamless bookings through the IRCTC Rail Connect App.
So, the next time you plan a trip, don’t forget to explore this scheme—it’s convenient, economical, and designed for your comfort.
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