In the harsh cold and dense fog, trains are often delayed, or passengers miss their trains. In such situations, passengers often wonder if they can continue their journey on another train using the same ticket. Indian Railway Rules are very strict in this regard. If you board another train without prior information, the TTE can treat you as ticketless and impose a hefty fine. In this article, we will reveal all the strict rules regarding general and reserved tickets, which can help you avoid legal trouble.
Travelling on a Second Train with a General Ticket
If you have a general ticket, there’s some relief for you. The validity of a general ticket is usually three hours or until the first available train on that route. If you miss your train, you can travel on another passenger train of the same category. However, a very important precaution is necessary here.
If you have a ticket for a regular passenger train and board a premium train like the Mail, Express, Superfast, or Rajdhani, the Railways may consider you a ticketless traveler. If caught in such a situation, you will not only have to pay the difference in the ticket amount but also a hefty fine.
Don’t be fooled if you miss your confirmed seat
Passengers with reservations face the most confusion. The Railways’ rigid rule states that if you have a confirmed seat on a particular train and miss it, that ticket is not valid for any other train. Passengers often think that since they have already paid, they can board a sleeper coach on another train.
However, the Railway Transport Inspector (TTE) may declare you ticketless. If caught, you will be charged the full ticket price plus a penalty. If you refuse to pay the fine, the Railway Police (RPF) can detain you, and you could even face the harshest jail time.
Rules for catching a train from the next station
Did you know that even after missing a train, your seat remains reserved for a certain period? According to the railway’s rigid rules, if you miss your train from your boarding station, the TTE cannot allot your seat to anyone else for the next two stations. This means that if you reach the next major station on time by taxi or other means, you can occupy the same steel seat. After two stations, the TTE is free to allot that seat to passengers on the RAC or waiting list.
Refunds and TDR after missing a train
Getting a refund after missing a train is a little more difficult, but not impossible. You need to file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt). If the train is delayed by more than 3 hours and you don’t travel, you get a 100% steel refund. But if the train was on time and you missed it due to your mistake, it is very difficult to get a refund after the chart is prepared. In such a situation, the Railways will decide whether to give you a partial refund only after investigation.
Caution during Fog Season
Always leave home with extra time during winter and fog. If you miss your train after reaching the railway station, talk to the station master or the inquiry counter instead of taking a fatal risk. If you absolutely must travel, the safest option is to get a new ticket. Arguing with the TTE over an old ticket could land you in legal trouble. Remember, the Railways’ strict rules are made for your safety and order; violating them can be costly.