Train Delayed Over 3 Hours? Claim Full Refund Without Cancelling Ticket

Indian Railways Rule: Train delays can often disrupt the plans and mood of travelers. According to railway regulations, if your train is delayed by three hours or more from its starting point, you are entitled to a full refund without needing to cancel your ticket or losing any money. The railway does not impose any cancellation fees on this refund. However, this benefit is only applicable if you do not board that train and you surrender or claim your ticket in a timely manner.

If you booked your ticket online and choose not to travel due to the train delay, you need to submit a TDR. The requirement is that you must file a TDR online before the train actually departs. This rule is applicable to regular, Tatkal, and Premium Tatkal tickets. Keep in mind that once you have boarded the train, you will not be eligible for a refund.

How to apply for a refund online?

Obtaining a refund through the IRCTC website or app is quite straightforward. You should navigate to the “My Transactions” section and select “File TDR.” Choose “Train Delayed More Than 3 Hours” as the reason for the refund. The digital process already contains your bank account information, so the funds will be returned to your original payment method within 5 to 7 working days after your request.

How to get your money at the counter?

If you bought a paper ticket from a railway station counter, you will need to visit the nearest computerized reservation center. There, you must hand over your original ticket and complete a refund form. The staff at the counter will verify the delay of your train and process the refund either in cash or to your account, as per the regulations. Please remember that even for counter tickets, it is essential to arrive at the station before the train departs.

When will you not get a refund?

Railways’ refund rules also include certain conditions. If the train is delayed for less than 3 hours, you will not receive a full refund. In such a situation, normal cancellation rules will apply. Furthermore, if a passenger boards the train and completes the journey despite the delay, they cannot claim a refund later. Furthermore, filing a TDR after chart preparation and the train’s departure makes it difficult to obtain a refund.

Before departing, always check the train’s live location on the official railway app or website. If you notice a significant delay, decide on a refund before reaching the station. Always keep your bank details updated and save the ‘Reference Number’ you receive after filing the TDR.