The Indian Railways is the largest public transporter in the country and lakhs of people depend on it for their daily travel needs. Often when people miss trains or have to cancel tickets due to emergency, passengers often become confused over cancellation of their tickets, charges applied and refund facilities.
The IRCTC, which is the official ticketing authority of the Indian Railways has made some norms which are followed during cancellation of train tickets but these rules vary from train to train, berth to berth and also depend on the nature of tickets.
Timings of IRCTC ticket cancellation
Although the IRCTC works 24 X 7, it has a fixed time frame for cancellation of train tickets between 12.20 AM and 11.45 PM. However, it does not mention about the exact timing of refund of ticket amount.
IRCTC Cancellation charges for RAC & Waiting list
For passengers holding a RAC e-ticket, if he fails to cancel ticket or file TDR, the IRCTC will not refund any amount. In case of rail travellers who have wait-listed tickets and his/her name was not confirmed even after preparation of reservation chart, he would get the fare credited to his bank account. If a passenger has window seat, fares will be refunded in case he/she cancels his ticket 30 minutes before the departure of the train.
Cancellation charges for 3AC
Cancellation of train tickets for 3 AC depends on the timing of return of ticket. If travellers apply for cancellation over 48 hours before the departure of the train, flat cancellation charges per passenger would be Rs 180 plus GST. Those who present for cancellation between 48 hours and 12 hours before the departure of the train, 25 percent of the train ticket plus GST will be deducted. Passengers who cancel tickets between 12 and 4 hours before the train’s departure will have to pay 50 percent of their ticket fare plus GST.
Cancellation charges for 2AC
In case of 2 AC, passengers will have to pay Rs 200 plus GST when they apply for cancellation of tickets 48 hours before the departure of train. Ticket cancellation between 48 hours and 12 hours and between 12 hours and 4 hours ahead of the scheduled departure of the train will lead to flat cancellation charges of 25 per cent and 50 per cent of the fare plus GST respectively.
Cancellation charges for 1AC
Passengers travelling in 1AC will have to pay Rs 240 plus GST if they cancel their tickets 48 hours prior to departure of train. In case of cancellation between 48 hours and 12 hours prior to the scheduled departure, 25 per cent of the fare plus GST would be deducted. If the ticket is canceled between 12 house and 4 hours ahead of the scheduled departure of the train, a deduction of 50 per cent per cent of the fare plus GST will be made.
Cancellation charges for Sleeper Class
Passengers travelling in sleeper class will have to pay Rs 120 if they cancel their tickets 48 hours before the scheduled departure of train.