Booked a train ticket but now need to cancel it? There’s no need to worry. Here’s a quick overview of the important refund policies of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) to keep in mind:
Key Refund Rules to Know:
Cancellation Charges for Different Classes:
For unreserved, RAC, and waitlisted tickets: Rs 30 for unreserved second class and Rs 60 for reserved second class and other classes.
Confirmed reserved tickets:
- Cancelled 48 hours before departure: Charges range from Rs 240 for first AC to Rs 60 for second class.
- Cancelled between 48 and 12 hours before departure: 25% cancellation fee (minimum charges apply).
- Cancelled between 12 and 4 hours before departure: 50% cancellation fee (minimum charges apply).
Unused RAC/Waitlisted Tickets: Refunds are available up to 30 minutes before departure, with a clerkage charge deducted.
Automatic Refund for E-Tickets: E-tickets are automatically refunded; no need for Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) filing.
Premium Special Trains: Cancellation of CNF/RAC tickets is not allowed, except when the train is cancelled. In such cases, the refund is processed through the PRS system.
Surrendering Tickets: Refunds can be collected at the PRS counter if the ticket is cancelled at a station. If cancelled through IRCTC or via 139, collect refunds at the reservation counter.
Online Cancellations: Refunds for online cancellations are credited to bank accounts within 5 days, and refunds for counter cancellations are available within 7 days.
Special Discretionary Refunds: Station masters at major stations have the discretion to issue refunds on expired tickets, provided the passenger can explain the delay.
In Case of Emergencies: If a passenger cannot reach the counter due to situations like floods or strikes, they can file a TDR within 3 days and apply for a refund within 90 days.
Lost or Torn Tickets: Refunds for lost tickets are not allowed. However, for verifiable torn tickets, refunds can be issued based on readable details.
Tatkal Tickets: No refund is available for cancelled Tatkal tickets, and e-tickets cannot be cancelled after chart preparation. However, TDR filing can be used for refund tracking.
Family/Group Tickets: If some members of a group have confirmed tickets while others are on RAC/waitlisted status, a full refund is allowed for confirmed members if cancelled or TDR is filed within 30 minutes of departure.
OTP-Based Refund System: For tickets booked via agents, an OTP-based system ensures refund transparency. Passengers will receive an OTP and must share it with the booking agent to complete the refund process.
PNR Linking for Connecting Trains: Passengers can link PNRs when booking connecting trains. If the first train delays and causes a missed connection, passengers can claim a refund for the untraveled portion without incurring clerkage or cancellation charges if requested within 3 hours.
These updates ensure that refunds are processed efficiently and fairly, minimizing the hassle for passengers.
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