IRCTC TDR Rule: Trains are considered the most economical and reliable mode of travel in India, and millions of people travel by train every day. Especially in winter, trains are often delayed due to fog, rain, or other weather conditions, causing significant inconvenience to passengers. But did you know that if your train is delayed by three hours or more and you don’t want to travel, you can get a full refund? This is your right, and every traveller should be aware of it. To do so, you need to cancel your ticket and file a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt).
If a Train is Delayed by Three Hours
According to Indian Railways rules, if your train is delayed by three hours or more and you decide to cancel your journey, you are entitled to a full refund. To avail this unique facility, it’s essential to keep one thing in mind: you must cancel your ticket before commencing your journey.
If you cancel your journey because the train is delayed by 3 hours or more, no deductions will be made by the Railways. The full amount of your ticket will be refunded directly to your bank account, free of charge. However, this refund may typically take 7 days, and up to 90 days, to be credited to your account.
What is a TDR, and why is it important to file it
A TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) is a document used to officially inform the Railways that your train is running late and you wish to cancel your ticket. The Railways must file a TDR on your behalf to initiate the refund process.
Simple and Easy Process to File a TDR
The process of filing a TDR on the IRCTC website or mobile app is very simple.
First, you need to log in to your account on the IRCTC website or mobile app.
After logging in, go to the ‘Services’ tab and select the ‘File TDR’ option.
Next, go to the “My Transactions” section, select the ticket for which you want a refund, and choose the refund reason (e.g.: ‘Train Late by More than 3 Hours’).
After selecting the reason, you must press the “Submit” button and submit your request.
Once the TDR is filed, the Railways verifies your application and transfers the refund amount directly to your bank account.
Points to Keep in Mind
Tickets can be cancelled not only due to train delays, but also due to various reasons such as changes in train schedules or routes, natural disasters, administrative reasons, personal emergencies, or ticket booking errors. In any case, taking these steps will help you immensely. As soon as you receive confirmation of a train delay, file a TDR without delay.
Never begin your journey before canceling your ticket. Be sure to enter the correct bank account details to ensure the refund is credited directly to your account. If you encounter any problems, contact the railway helpline or IRCTC support immediately. This information will help you avoid financial loss and ensure a safer and stress-free journey.