Winter has arrived, and with it, dense fog has slowed the speed of trains. These days, trains are running 4 to 12 hours late from their originating stations. If you have an important job, an exam, or a wedding to attend, a train delay can ruin your entire plan. But did you know that if your train is delayed by more than 3 hours, you can get a 100% full ticket refund?
Yes, according to Indian Railways rules, passengers can request a full refund in case of a significant delay. In this article, we’ll explain step-by-step how to claim a refund if a train is delayed due to fog or any other reason.
How late does a full refund need to be
According to railway rules, to be eligible for a ticket refund, your train must be at least 3 hours (180 minutes) or more late at your boarding station. If the train is this late and you don’t want to travel on it, you can cancel your ticket and get a full refund.
Importantly, this rule applies equally to all types of tickets—General, Tatkal, and Premium Tatkal. The only condition is that you must not have travelled on the train. If you board the train, you cannot claim a refund.
How to get a refund for an online ticket
If you booked a ticket through the IRCTC website or app, the refund process will be completely digital. To do this, you need to file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt). First, log in with your ID and go to ‘My Transactions’ and select the ‘File TDR’ option. Here, you’ll need to select “Train Late More Than Three Hours and Passenger Not Travelled” from the list of refund reasons.
After filing the TDR, the Railways will verify your claim, and the money will be refunded to the same bank account from which you made the payment within a few days. Remember, the TDR should always be filed before the train’s actual departure from that station.
Process for Getting a Refund on a Counter Ticket
If you purchased a paper ticket from the railway station counter, you’ll need to go to the station’s reservation counter to request a refund. You’ll need to submit your original ticket there and fill out a form.
If the chart has been prepared and the train is delayed by more than three hours, the station master or counter clerk will verify your ticket and initiate the refund process immediately. For counter tickets, you can often receive a cash refund, provided you arrive there before the train leaves the station.
Relief on Tatkal and Premium Tatkal Tickets
There’s often a misconception among passengers that Tatkal tickets are not refundable. However, the Railways’ rules are very clear: If the train is delayed by more than three hours, you will receive a 100% refund on Tatkal and Premium Tatkal tickets.
No clerk or cancellation charges are deducted. This is a major relief for travellers who booked tickets at the last minute at high prices. If your travel is completely ruined due to fog, this rule completely protects your money.