TV
Indian Railways has introduced an online cancellation facility for tickets purchased at railway counters, offering greater convenience to passengers.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the initiative, which allows travelers to cancel physical tickets via the IRCTC website or by calling 139. (However, passengers must still visit a reservation center to collect their refunds.)
Why This Matters
Previously, passengers had to visit railway counters in person to cancel tickets and obtain refunds, often leading to long queues and inconvenience.
The new system enables online cancellations, streamlining the process and saving time, aligning with Indian Railways’ broader digital transformation goals, improving passenger services and enhancing efficiency.
How to Cancel Railway Counter Tickets Online
Passengers can follow these steps to cancel their counter tickets online:
- Visit the IRCTC website or call 139.
- Enter the PNR number, train number, and captcha code.
- Agree to the cancellation rules by checking the provided box.
- Submit the request to receive an OTP on the registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP to verify and access the PNR details.
- Review the ticket details and click ‘Cancel Ticket’ to complete the process.
- An SMS confirmation with refund instructions will be sent to the registered mobile number.
Refund Collection Guidelines
Confirmed Tickets: Refunds can be collected up to four hours before the train’s scheduled departure.
RAC/Waitlisted Tickets: Refunds can be claimed up to 30 minutes before departure.
Late-Night Departures:
For trains leaving between 18:01 and 06:00, refunds can be processed within the first two hours of the next day’s PRS counter opening.
For trains departing between 06:01 and 18:00, refunds are available up to four hours after departure during PRS counter hours.
Key Points to Remember
A valid mobile number must be provided at the time of booking for online cancellation eligibility.
Refunds are allowed unless the train is delayed or canceled.
Privilege tickets, duty passes, and PTOs can also be canceled online, but some cases may require re-validation at the counter.
