IRCTC New Rules for Circular journey ticket First AC in Rajdhani and Duronto and EC class in Shatabdi

Circular journey ticket (CJT) in First AC in Rajdhani and Duronto and EC class in Shatabdi- Issuance

IRCTC New Rules for Circular journey ticket First AC in Rajdhani and Duronto and EC class in Shatabdi

Issuance of circular journey ticket (CJT) in First AC in Rajdhani and Duronto and EC class in Shatabdi

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
(RAILWAY BOARD)

Commercial Circular no. 41 of 2025

F. No. TC-II/2215/2025/CJT/Misc

New Delhi, dated 27-08-2025

Pr. Chief Commercial Managers,
All Zonal Railways

Sub: Issuance of circular journey ticket (CJT) in First AC in Rajdhani and Duronto and EC class in Shatabdi.

Ref: Rule no. 205 of IRCA Coaching Tariff No. 26 Part 1 (Volume I).

Para 4 Rule 205 of IRCA Coaching Tariff. 26 Part 1 (Volume I) states that “If a passenger travels in Higher class or by higher category of train, he will be required to pay the difference of fares for such distance on point to point basis”. Ministry of Railways have decided that Circular Journey Ticket (CJT) shall now also be permitted in First AC of Rajdhani and Duronto and EC class of Shatabdi trains by paying difference of fare for distance traveled on point to point basis.

2. However, CJT shall not be admissible in other flexi fare applicable classes of such trains and other trains in which variable fare is applicable.

3. Necessary action may be taken accordingly.

(Rohit Kumar)
Dy. Director Passenger Marketing-III
Railway Board

Source: http://www.indianrailways.gov.in

Here’s everything you need to know about the new rules (as reaffirmed in 2025) for Circular Journey Tickets (CJT) and how they apply to First AC in Rajdhani/Duronto and Executive Class (EC) of Shatabdi Express:

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🎫 1. Circular Journey Tickets (CJT) – Key Features

• Purpose: CJT allows travel on a looped itinerary (starting and ending at the same station) with up to 8 break-journeys.
  Reservations for each leg must be booked separately.
  GST is applicable at 5% on total fare.
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• Fare Calculation: Based on telescopic fare rules:
  • Compute total shortest‑route distance.
  • Calculate fare for half that distance.
  • Multiply by 2.
  • If any segment exceeds 15% deviation from the shortest route, full point‑to‑point fare applies.
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🚂 2. New Admission for Premium Classes (Circular Journey – 2025 Rule)

As per Railway Board Circular No. 41/2025 (dated 27‑Aug‑2025):

• CJTs are now permitted in:
  • First AC (1A) coaches on Rajdhani & Duronto Expresses, and
  • Executive Class (EC) on Shatabdi Expresses,
• Only in these premium classes—not in any other dynamic (flexi‑fare) classes like standard 2A/3A classroom or regular CC.
• Fare difference for the premium class segment must be paid on a point‑to‑point basis if the CJT base allowance is lower.
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✅ Rule Summary Table

Train Type	Premium Class Code	CJT Allowed?	Additional Fare Needed?
Rajdhani / Duronto	1A (First AC)	✅ Yes	Yes — difference based on distance
Shatabdi Express	EC (Executive Class)	✅ Yes	Yes — similar fare difference
Other classes (2A/3A/CC)	Not permitted	❌ Not allowed under CJT	—

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ℹ️ Tips & Traveler Notes

• Not valid for classes under flexi‑fare system—these include 2A, 3A, CC, etc., where dynamic pricing applies.
• Reservation charges and GST still apply as normal.
• Waiting list passengers are no longer allowed in AC/Sleeper coaches from May 2025 per new rules — not directly CJT‑related but part of passenger policy changes.
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• Food charges (catering): Complimentary meals in premium trains only apply if you select catering at booking; otherwise, onboard meals cost extra ₹50 per meal.
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🚀 In a Nutshell

• From late 2025 onwards, CJT is permitted in First AC of Rajdhani/Duronto and EC class of Shatabdi, with the option to upgrade fare by paying additional distance-based premium.
• This does not extend to flexi‑fare classes—only to those static tariff premium classes.
• GST is applicable at 5%.
• CJT remains unavailable if your itinerary includes dynamic-fare classes or non‑premium coaches.

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Would you like help in calculating a CJT fare including fare differences, or checking availability for these premium classes via CJT?