Everything You Should Know About Train Ticket Cancellation Rules

Table of Content

1. Cancellation Rules
- General Tickets
- Tatkal Ticket Cancellation
- Rules for Waitlisted and RAC Tickets
-  Chart Preparation and Refunds
2. Myths and Facts About Train Ticket Cancellations
3. Special Cases
4. Important Tips

Booking a train ticket is quite easy and convenient, especially with the help of various online platforms. However, when it comes to cancelling a ticket, the rules and procedures can sometimes be confusing. Whether you’ve had a change of plans, discovered a better travel option, or need to cancel for any other reason, it is crucial to understand the details of the train ticket cancellation rules. This knowledge ensures you can manage your travel plans effectively and avoid unnecessary charges or complications.

EaseMyTrip makes the train ticket booking experience seamless with real-time PNR status updates and clear information on cancellation policies. With EaseMyTrip, you can easily resolve the complexities of ticket cancellations, ensuring you have all the necessary details at your fingertips.

This blog will cover everything you need to know about cancelling train tickets, including the rules, charges, and processes involved.

1. Cancellation Rules

(A) General Tickets

The rules for cancelling a train ticket in India vary depending on the class of travel and the time of cancellation. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

• Between 48 and 12 hours before departure: 25% of the fare is deducted, subject to a minimum amount and it may vary too. 

• Between 12 hours and up to 4 hours before departure: 50% of the fare is deducted, subject to a minimum amount and it may vary too.

(B) Tatkal Ticket Cancellation

Tatkal tickets, which are booked for urgent travel needs, have stricter cancellation rules compared to regular tickets.

• Confirmed Tatkal tickets: If you cancel a confirmed Tatkal ticket, you will not receive any refund. This rule applies to all confirmed Tatkal bookings, regardless of how early you cancel.

• Waitlisted Tatkal tickets: If your Tatkal ticket is waitlisted and remains waitlisted even after the chart preparation, you are eligible for a full refund. This means that if your ticket doesn't get confirmed, you get your money back.

• Partially confirmed Tatkal tickets: If your Tatkal ticket includes multiple passengers and some of them are confirmed while others are waitlisted, cancellation charges will only apply to the confirmed portions of the ticket. The waitlisted portion will be refunded in full.

Understanding these specific rules helps in managing your travel plans efficiently and avoiding unexpected costs.

(C) Rules for Waitlisted and RAC Tickets

In the case of e-tickets, they must be cancelled online, or an online TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) must be filed within the time limits prescribed under these rules to obtain a refund.

• When a RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) ticket or a wait-listed ticket is presented for cancellation, the fare will be refunded after deducting the clerkage charge if the ticket is presented for cancellation up to thirty minutes before the scheduled departure of the train, regardless of the distance.
• Clerkage Charge: No refund shall be granted on RAC tickets or wait-listed tickets after thirty minutes before the scheduled departure of the train.
• If a confirmed reservation has been provided to a RAC or wait-listed ticket holder at any time up to the final preparation of the reservation chart, such a ticket shall be treated as a reserved ticket.

(D) Chart Preparation and Refunds

The final chart for train reservations is usually prepared 3-4 hours before the train's scheduled departure. This chart lists all confirmed passengers and finalises the status of waitlisted and RAC tickets. Here are the key points to remember:

• E-tickets can be cancelled online until the preparation of the charts, with refunds granted according to the current Railway Refund Rules. After the charts are prepared, users must file an online TDR to claim a refund, which will be decided by the Railways. The same user who booked the ticket must file the TDR, and the refund amount will be credited to the original payment account once received from the Railways.

• No refund will be granted on partially confirmed e-tickets or partial RAC/waitlisted tickets if none of the passengers has travelled and the TDR is filed after 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the train. Additionally, no refund will be granted if the train is running more than three hours late and the TDR is filed after the actual departure of the train.

Understanding these procedures ensures that you handle your train bookings correctly and receive appropriate refunds, helping you manage your travel plans more efficiently and avoid unnecessary stress

2. Myths and Facts About Train Ticket Cancellations

Myth 1: Cancelling an e-ticket is complicated.

• Fact: Cancelling an e-ticket is straightforward and can be done online through Indian Railway official website or any website or mobile app. It’s quick and user-friendly.

Myth 2: RAC and Waitlisted Tickets Are Non-Refundable

Fact: RAC (Reservation Against Cancellation) and waitlisted tickets are refundable. If cancelled up to 30 minutes before the train's scheduled departure, a refund will be processed after deducting the clerkage charge. However, no refund is granted if the cancellation is requested less than 30 minutes before departure.

Myth 3: Tatkal tickets never get a refund.

• Fact: While confirmed Tatkal tickets do not get a refund, waitlisted Tatkal tickets that remain waitlisted after chart preparation do get a full refund.

Suggested read:  20 Types of Indian Railways: From Luxury to Mail!

3. Special Cases

There are a few special cases worth noting:

• Train Cancelled by Indian Railways: If the train is cancelled by Indian Railways, a full refund is granted, regardless of the time of cancellation.

• Diversion of Train: If a train is diverted and the passenger is not travelling on the diverted route, a full refund is provided.

• Missed Connections: If a passenger misses their connecting train due to the late arrival of the first train, they are eligible for a full refund on the second ticket.

4. Important Tips

Here are some of the important tips to follow while booking the train ticket 

• Keep an eye on your PNR status: Regularly check the status of your booked ticket, especially if it is in the WL or RAC category.

• Know the deadlines: Be aware of the cancellation deadlines to avoid unnecessary charges.

• Use the IRCTC eWallet: For faster refunds and hassle-free transactions, consider using the IRCTC eWallet.

Understanding the cancellation rules and processes for Indian Railways can save you time, money, and stress. Whether it’s a sudden change of plans or a booking error, being well-informed ensures that you can manage your travel plans efficiently. With EaseMyTrip, you can easily book tickets, manage your itineraries, and navigate cancellation procedures, making your travel planning even more convenient and hassle-free.