Railway ticket refund rules: practical Guide – TrainApp

This guide offers a straightforward overview of Indian Railway ticket refund policies, covering various ticket types, cancellation timeframes, and special scenarios, as well as the processes involved for obtaining refunds, including e-tickets, counter tickets, Tatkal tickets, and waitlisted tickets, along with guidance on Ticket Deposit Receipts (TDRs).

1. Railway Rules
2. ticket refund

I. Core Principles of Railway Ticket Refunds

Indian Railways, through IRCTC for online bookings, uses a system where refunds depend on the ticket's status and cancellation time. There are two key periods: before chart preparation (when the final list is generated) and after chart preparation (when refund rules are stricter and may require a TDR).

II. Refund Rules by Ticket Type

• Confirmed Tickets:
  • Cancellation More Than 48 Hours Before Departure: Full refund minus a flat cancellation fee (varying by class; e.g., ₹240 + GST for AC First Class/Executive Class; lower deductions for other classes; these fees are subject to change).
  • Cancellation 48 to 12 Hours Before Departure: A refund is issued after deducting 25% of the base fare (subject to a minimum cancellation charge).
  • Cancellation 12 to 4 Hours Before Departure: A refund is issued after deducting 50% of the base fare (subject to a minimum cancellation charge).
  • Cancellation Within 4 Hours of Departure: No refund is available, unless a TDR is filed for exceptional circumstances and approved.
• Tatkal Tickets:
  • Confirmed Tatkal Tickets: Usually no refunds upon cancellation unless the train is cancelled or significantly delayed (typically by more than 3 hours) and a TDR is filed.
  • Waitlisted or RAC Tatkal Tickets: Refunds as per the standard waitlist/RAC rules, with deductions for clerkage. A full refund may be available if the train is canceled, delayed over 3 hours, or if the coach in which your seat was allotted is not attached to the train, only when a TDR is filed.
• Waitlisted (WL) and RAC Tickets:
  • Cancellation Before 30 Minutes to Departure: Full refund minus clerkage charges (₹60 + GST).
  • After Chart Preparation: Automatic cancellation and refund or TDR filing if the ticket remains WL or RAC and you do not travel.

III. Special Scenarios & TDRs

• Train Cancellation or Significant Delay:
  • A full refund is processed if the train is officially cancelled.
  • If the train is delayed by more than 3 hours at its originating station, a full refund is processed if you choose not to travel.
  • No cancellation fee for train cancellation.
• TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt):
  • Required for claiming refunds in specific situations after chart preparation, such as:
    • Train cancellations
    • Significant delays of more than 3 hours at the originating station.
    • If the train is diverted and the changed route is unsuitable to the passenger.
    • If the booked class of travel is not provided and you are provided a lower class.
    • If the coach in which your seat was allotted is not attached to the train.
    • If you are not able to travel due to some exceptional reason.
  • File TDRs: online (through the IRCTC website or app, within 72 hours of the train's scheduled departure) or offline (at the station within 3 days of the scheduled journey).
  • Refunds depend on the merit of the case and verification process.
  • TDR refunds may take at least 60 days and can take longer, depending on the circumstances.
• Tatkal Tickets and Refunds:
  • Confirmed tatkal tickets are generally non-refundable, unless the train is officially cancelled or if it is delayed by more than 3 hours. You can get refund by filing a TDR.
  • Waitlisted tatkal tickets get a full refund if they remain unconfirmed after chart preparation, or if they are cancelled before 30 mins of the scheduled departure with applicable clerkage charges.
  • If a tatkal ticket is not confirmed, a full refund is processed automatically, or through a TDR.
  • You can file a TDR for a tatkal cancellation refund if the train is cancelled or delayed by more than 3 hours at its originating station or if there are other exceptional circumstances (such as if the coach in which the seat is allotted is not attached).
  • If a tatkal ticket is not confirmed then refund is processed automatically.
  • In a situation for if tatkal ticket is in waiting list refund you get a full refund if it remains in waiting.
• If you want to know if tatkal waiting list is not confirmed refund, yes you get a full refund automatically if not confirmed.
• Counter Ticket Cancellation and Online Refund:
  * Online cancellation is possible for counter tickets only if a valid mobile number was provided at the time of booking. This service is not available if the train is running late or cancelled.
  * To cancel a counter ticket online:
  * Log in to the IRCTC website or app (you may need to register first, if you are not registered).
  * Navigate to the 'Cancel Ticket' option and select 'Counter Ticket'.
  * Enter the PNR number, train number, and captcha code.
  * Confirm that you have read the cancellation rules and proceed.
  * Enter the OTP received on the registered mobile number.
  * After cancellation, a confirmation message is sent to the mobile number.
  * The refund amount, as per the applicable rules, can only be collected at the journey commencing station or nearby satellite PRS locations by surrendering the original ticket.
  * Time Limits for Cancellation:
  * For confirmed tickets, online cancellation is permitted up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure of the train.
  * For RAC/Waitlisted tickets, online cancellation is allowed up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the train.
  * Online refunds for counter tickets will be initiated by IRCTC within 3-7 working days, but the physical refund needs to be collected at the designated station.
  • If the ticket has confirmed and waitlisted passengers, a full refund less clerkage may be processed for all if cancelled before 30 minutes of the train's scheduled departure.
• Other Scenarios:
  • Refund amount depends on the ticket type, timing, and class of travel.
  • A full refund is processed if a waitlisted ticket remains unconfirmed at the time of chart preparation.
  • Full refunds may be processed automatically in cases of train cancellation, but a TDR may be needed in some circumstances.

IV. Processing Times for Refunds:

• E-Tickets: Refunds are processed within 5-7 working days to the original payment source.
• Counter Tickets: Refunds can take longer if a TDR is involved and are usually processed at the station of booking.
• TDRs: Refunds for TDRs may take at least 60 days and can take longer depending on the specifics of the case and verification processes.

V. Key Points and Tips:

• Always check your PNR status for any changes in your ticket confirmation and be prepared for last-minute changes.
• Cancel your ticket as early as possible to maximize your refund eligibility, noting the difference between refund amounts based on the time of cancellation.
• Keep all booking details, PNR number, and a valid ID proof readily available.
• Be aware of the specific timings for chart preparation and cancellation for your train, as timings may vary slightly.
• Utilize official IRCTC channels for online cancellations and for filing a TDR to ensure proper processing.
• Stay updated with the latest guidelines and information available on official IRCTC and Indian Railways websites, as rules can change from time to time.
• If you have any grievances related to refunds or have questions about the rules, use the Rail Madad app or their helpline to address any issues.
• Remember to file a TDR for specific situations where a refund is not automatically processed, keeping track of time limits.
• For all tatkal ticket refund policy, if any problem arises you may file a TDR.

VI. Common Questions:

• Is a tatkal waiting ticket refundable? Yes, it is refundable if it remains unconfirmed after chart preparation or if it is in RAC status.
• If a Tatkal ticket is not confirmed then what kind of refund will I get? You will receive a full refund automatically or by filing a TDR, if it remains unconfirmed.
• If we cancel a confirmed ticket, will we get a refund? Yes, but the amount depends on when you cancel the ticket and the class of travel.
• Will I get a refund for a waitlisted ticket? Yes, you will get a full refund if it is not confirmed before chart preparation.
• If the ticket is in the waiting list, how much is the refund? You will get full refund if not confirmed.
• How to get refund if the train is cancelled? You may receive a full refund automatically, or you can file a TDR in some cases.
• How much is the refund when cancelling a train ticket? It varies depending on the ticket type, class of travel and cancellation time.

VII. Refund Rules for RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) Tickets:

• RAC e-tickets can be cancelled up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the train.
• If you cancel your RAC e-ticket more than 30 minutes before departure, a full refund after applicable clerkage charge is processed.
• No refund is permissible if the cancellation is made less than 30 minutes prior to departure.
• If the train is delayed by more than 3 hours at its originating station, or if the coach in which your seat has been allotted is not attached to the train, you can claim a full refund when filing a TDR.
• Refunds for e-tickets are processed back to the account used for booking, and for counter tickets, you can surrender them at the station at least 30 minutes before departure. If your ticket has confirmed passengers and others on RAC or the waiting list, you can get a full refund for all if you cancel the entire ticket up to 30 minutes before departure, less the clerkage charge.

This comprehensive guide aims to simplify the complexities of Indian Railway ticket refund policies. Knowing how the ticket type, timing of cancellation, and other factors affect refunds, as well as understanding online cancellations, filing TDRs and other aspects will ensure that you are aware of your rights as a passenger, and can navigate any situation with clarity and confidence, while understanding the refund policy of irctc. Always rely on the official IRCTC and Indian Railways websites for any latest details or changes to the rules.

citations:
https://contents.irctc.co.in/en/eticketCancel.html
https://contents.irctc.co.in/en/iticketcancel.html
https://www.operations.irctc.co.in/ctcan/SystemTktCanLogin.jsf
https://www.indianrail.gov.in/enquiry/StaticPages/StaticEnquiry.jsp?locale=en&StaticPage=MobileTicketing.html