Have you ever planned a train journey, only to have something come up at the last moment and leave you with no choice but to cancel your ticket? It’s a frustrating scenario that many of us have experienced, but the good news is that the Indian Railways offers refunds on cancelled tickets. The amount you’ll receive back depends on a few factors, but in general, you can expect to get a decent chunk of your ticket price refunded.
If you booked a ticket but then decided not to travel at all, you can get a full refund of the fare (minus a small cancellation fee) as long as you cancel your ticket before the scheduled departure time of the train. However, if you cancel your ticket after the departure time, you’ll only receive a partial refund. In most cases, the refund will be calculated as 50% of the fare if you cancel within the first 24 hours after the departure time, or 25% of the fare if you cancel between 24 hours and 48 hours after the departure time.
Of course, there are a few exceptions to the above rules, such as if your train is cancelled or delayed by more than 3 hours, or if you booked a tatkal or premium tatkal ticket. But in general, as long as you cancel your ticket before the scheduled departure time, you can expect to get back a decent amount of your ticket price. So if you’re ever in a situation where you need to cancel your train ticket, don’t worry – you won’t be out of pocket for the full fare.
Train cancellation policies
Train travel is a convenient way to explore different parts of a country. However, circumstances may arise where one has to cancel their train ticket. It is important to understand the train cancellation policies before booking a train ticket.
- The Indian Railways allows passengers to cancel their train ticket online or at the railway station counter.
- The cancellation charges vary depending on the time of cancellation. Generally, if a train ticket is cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure, a passenger is entitled to a full refund.
- If a ticket is cancelled less than 48 hours before the scheduled departure, but more than 12 hours before the train’s departure, then the passenger is entitled to a partial refund, which is usually 50% of the fare paid, excluding any service charges.
- If a train ticket is cancelled less than 12 hours before the scheduled departure, no refund is given.
- Passengers can also cancel tatkal tickets, but the cancellation charges are relatively higher than regular tickets.
It is important to note that the cancellation policy may differ for different types of trains, such as Rajdhani and Shatabdi Express. Therefore, passengers are advised to read the cancellation policy before booking a train ticket.
The Indian Railways has also introduced a new feature known as the ‘Vikalp’ scheme, which allows passengers to opt for an alternative train in case their train is cancelled or delayed by more than 3 hours. This scheme is applicable for all trains and classes of travel, except for the passengers travelling on a partially confirmed or waitlisted ticket.
| Time of cancellation | Refund amount |
|---|---|
| More than 48 hours before scheduled departure | Full refund |
| Less than 48 hours but more than 12 hours before scheduled departure | 50% of the fare paid, excluding service charges |
| Less than 12 hours before scheduled departure | No refund |
Train travel can be an enjoyable experience but it is important to understand the train cancellation policies before booking a ticket. By being aware of the cancellation policy, passengers can avoid any unnecessary inconvenience and get a refund on their ticket if required.
Refundable vs. Non-refundable tickets
When it comes to booking train tickets, one of the most important things to consider is whether or not the ticket you are purchasing is refundable. Refundable tickets are those that can be canceled for a full or partial refund, while non-refundable tickets are those that cannot be canceled or refunded.
- Refundable tickets: These tickets offer the greatest flexibility, as they can be canceled for a full refund up until a specified time before the scheduled departure. Depending on the ticket type and booking class, refunds may be subject to a fee or penalty.
- Non-refundable tickets: These tickets are typically cheaper than refundable tickets, but they come with more restrictions. Once a non-refundable ticket is purchased, it cannot be canceled or refunded, even in the event of unforeseen circumstances like illness or a missed train.
It’s important to carefully consider your travel plans before booking a train ticket. If you think there’s a chance you may need to cancel or change your travel plans, it’s a good idea to opt for a refundable ticket, even if it comes with a higher price tag. On the other hand, if you’re confident that your plans won’t change, a non-refundable ticket could save you money.
When it comes to purchasing train tickets, it’s always a good idea to read the fare rules and ticket conditions carefully. This will give you a clear understanding of what to expect in the event that you need to cancel or change your travel plans.
Refundable vs. Non-refundable tickets: Pros and Cons
Both refundable and non-refundable tickets have their pros and cons. Here are a few things to consider:
| Refundable Tickets | Non-refundable Tickets |
|---|---|
| Flexibility to cancel or change travel plans | Cheaper upfront cost |
| Piece of mind and protection against unexpected changes | No option to cancel or refund, even for unforeseen circumstances |
| May be subject to fees or penalties for cancellation or change | Less risk for the carrier, resulting in a lower price |
Ultimately, the decision of whether to purchase a refundable or non-refundable train ticket depends on your individual circumstances and needs. It’s important to carefully weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the ticket that offers the best balance of flexibility and value for your specific travel plans.
How to Cancel a Train Ticket
If you have booked a train ticket but need to cancel it for any reason, it is important to know the process. Canceling a train ticket can be a relatively simple process, as long as you understand the guidelines set by the railway company or agency you booked with. Here is what you need to know about cancelling a train ticket:
- Firstly, check the terms and conditions of your booking. Depending on the type of ticket you have purchased, the cancellation policy may differ. In some cases, you may be able to cancel your ticket for a full refund, while in other cases you may only be entitled to a partial refund or no refund at all.
- Next, access the website or mobile app of the railway company or agency you booked with. Look for the cancellation section and enter your booking details, which typically include the name of the traveler, booking reference number, and departure date.
- Once you have verified your details, follow the instructions to cancel your ticket. Most websites and apps will walk you through the cancellation process, which may involve selecting a reason for cancellation and confirming the cancellation request.
If you encounter any issues while cancelling your train ticket, such as the website or app being down or an error message appearing, contact the customer support team of the railway company or agency you booked with. They should be able to assist you with the cancellation process and answer any related questions you may have.
It is worth noting that the refund amount for a cancelled train ticket can vary depending on various factors, such as how far in advance you cancel and the type of ticket you purchased. To get an idea of how much you may be refunded, refer to the cancellation policy outlined by the railway company or agency you booked with.
Summary
Cancelling a train ticket can be a hassle-free process if you are aware of the terms and conditions and follow the guidelines set by the railway company or agency. Remember to check the cancellation policy before booking a train ticket, and keep in mind that the refund amount may vary depending on various factors. If you have any trouble cancelling your train ticket, reach out to the customer support team for assistance.
Now that you know how to cancel a train ticket, you can make informed decisions about your travel plans and avoid unnecessary costs or penalties.
| Cancellation | Refund |
|---|---|
| 48 hours or more before departure | Full refund |
| Between 24 and 48 hours before departure | Refund after deduction of cancellation fee (typically 25% of ticket fare) |
| Less than 24 hours before departure | No refund |
The above table provides an example of cancellation and refund policy for some railway companies or agencies. It is always recommended to check the specific terms and conditions in advance when booking a train ticket.
Deductions from refund amount
When you cancel a train ticket, the refund amount you receive is not the full amount that you paid for the ticket. There are certain deductions that are made before the refund is processed. These deductions may vary depending on the type of ticket you have purchased, the class of travel, and the time of cancellation.
- Service charges: Service charges are deducted from the refund amount that you receive. These charges are levied by the Indian Railways and are applied to cover the expense of ticketing, reservation, and other services.
- Bank charges: If you have made the payment for your ticket online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking, then the bank charges are deducted from the refund amount. These charges are applied to cover the transaction fees and other related costs.
- Cancellation charges: Cancellation charges are levied by the Indian Railways and are applied to cover the cost of processing the cancellation request. The amount of cancellation charges depends on the time of cancellation and the class of travel.
In addition to the above deductions, there may be other charges that are applicable depending on the circumstances of the cancellation. For example, if you have booked a ticket under a special concession or quota, then the rules regarding cancellation and refund may be different.
It is important to keep in mind that the refund amount that you receive may not always be the same as the cost of the ticket. The amount that you receive after deductions may be lower than the cost of the ticket, especially if you cancel the ticket close to the date of travel.
| Time of cancellation | Cancellation charges |
|---|---|
| 48 hours before departure | Rs. 240 for AC First Class/Executive Class, Rs. 200 for AC 2 Tier/First Class, Rs. 180 for AC 3 Tier/AC Chair Car/AC 3 Economy, Rs. 120 for Sleeper Class, and Rs. 60 for Second Class |
| Between 48 hours and 12 hours before departure | 25% of the fare subject to the minimum flat rate mentioned above |
| Between 12 hours and 4 hours before departure | 50% of the fare subject to the minimum flat rate mentioned above |
| Less than 4 hours before departure | No refund |
It is always advisable to cancel your ticket well in advance to avoid hefty cancellation charges and to receive a higher refund amount.
Time period for ticket cancellation
One of the most important factors to consider when cancelling a train ticket is the time period within which you can make the cancellation. This time period differs depending on the type of train ticket you have purchased.
- Regular train tickets: If you have purchased a regular train ticket, you have until 24 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train to cancel your ticket and get a full refund.
- Tatkal train tickets: If you have purchased a Tatkal train ticket, you can cancel your ticket and get a refund up to 30 minutes before the scheduled departure of the train.
- Premium train tickets: If you have purchased a Premium train ticket, you can cancel your ticket and get a refund up to 4 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train.
It is important to note that if you cancel your train ticket within the specified time period, you will receive a full refund of your fare, minus a cancellation fee.
If you cancel your train ticket after the specified time period, you will not be eligible for a refund and will lose the entire fare. However, there are some exceptions to this rule based on certain circumstances such as a natural disaster or a medical emergency.
Cancellation fees
When you cancel a train ticket, you will be charged a cancellation fee depending on the class of travel and the time of cancellation. The following table outlines the cancellation fees applicable for different classes of travel:
| Class of Travel | Cancellation Fees |
|---|---|
| AC First/Executive class | Rs. 240 |
| AC 2 Tier/First class | Rs. 200 |
| AC 3 Tier/AC Chair Car | Rs. 180 |
| Sleeper Class | Rs. 120 |
| Second Class | Rs. 60 |
It is important to note that the cancellation fee is charged per passenger, and not per ticket. This means that if you have booked a ticket for multiple passengers, you will be charged a cancellation fee for each passenger.
Refund process for e-tickets vs. physical tickets
If you need to cancel your train ticket, whether it’s an e-ticket or a physical ticket, you can easily do so online or at the railway station. However, the refund process differs depending on the type of ticket you have.
- E-tickets: If you have an e-ticket, canceling it is easy. You can do it online by logging into your account on the Indian Railways website or through the IRCTC app. Once you cancel the ticket, the refund will be initiated. The refund amount will be credited back to the account used for booking the ticket. The refund amount will be the fare paid minus the cancellation charges.
- Physical tickets: Canceling physical tickets is a bit more complicated. You first need to go to the railway station and fill out a cancellation form. You will also need to provide a copy of your ID proof. Once you submit the form, the refund will be initiated. You can collect the refund amount from the railway station after a deduction of cancellation charges. The refund amount will be the fare paid minus the cancellation charges.
It’s important to note that the cancellation charges for both e-tickets and physical tickets vary depending on how many days before the scheduled journey you cancel the ticket. The charges also depend on the class of travel and the distance of the journey.
If you’re unsure of the cancellation rules or the refund process, you can visit the Indian Railways website or contact their customer care for assistance.
| Class of Travel | Cancellation Charge Before Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|---|
| Sleeper | 120 rupees |
| AC 3 Tier/AC Chair Car | 180 rupees |
| AC 2 Tier/First Class/Executive Class | 240 rupees |
The above cancellation charges are for canceling a ticket more than 12 hours before the scheduled departure time. If you cancel the ticket less than 12 hours before the scheduled departure time, the cancellation charges will be higher.
Cancellation and Refund Policies for Special Trains or Events
When it comes to special trains or events, cancellation and refund policies may differ from regular train tickets. Here are some important things to know:
- For special trains or events like holiday trains, excursion trains, or exhibits, tickets are often non-refundable.
- If the train is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, passengers will be notified and refunds will be issued.
- If a passenger misses the train, they may not be entitled to a refund unless there are extenuating circumstances such as a medical emergency.
It is important to carefully read the terms and conditions when purchasing tickets for special trains or events to understand the cancellation and refund policies.
Below is a table that outlines the cancellation and refund policies for some popular special trains or events:
| Special Train/Event | Cancellation Policy | Refund Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Holiday Train | Non-refundable | N/A |
| Excursion Train | Non-refundable | N/A |
| Exhibit | Non-refundable | N/A |
Remember to always double-check cancellation and refund policies when purchasing tickets for special trains or events. It is better to be informed and prepared in case something unexpected happens.
FAQs: How Much Money is Refunded on Cancellation of Train Ticket?
1. What is the refund policy on cancellation of train ticket? As per the Indian Railways refund rules, cancellation charges up to a certain percentage of the fare will be deducted and the remaining amount will be refunded.
2. How much money is refunded on cancellation of train ticket? The refund amount depends on the time of cancellation and the class of ticket. Generally, 50% of the fare will be refunded if you cancel between 12 to 4 hours before departure and 25% of the fare will be refunded if you cancel between 4 to 2 hours before departure. No refund will be provided if you cancel within 2 hours of departure.
3. Do I get a full refund if the train is cancelled from the railway’s end? Yes, if the train is cancelled from the railway’s end, a full refund will be provided to the passenger without any cancellation charges.
4. How long does it take to get a refund? It generally takes 7-14 working days to process the refund. The refund will be credited directly to the source of payment used for booking the ticket, such as a bank account or credit/debit card.
5. Can I cancel my train ticket online? Yes, you can cancel your train ticket online through the IRCTC website or mobile app. However, a cancellation fee will be charged as per the refund rules.
6. Is there a difference in the refund policy for special trains or tatkal tickets? Yes, the refund policy for special trains and tatkal tickets is different than that of regular trains. Tatkal tickets are non-refundable, while special trains may have special cancellation rules that will be mentioned at the time of booking.
Closing Thoughts
We hope this article addressed your questions about how much money is refunded on cancellation of train ticket. It’s always important to plan ahead and make sure to cancel your ticket in a timely manner to receive maximum refund. Thank you for reading and we hope to see you again soon!