With the arrival of monsoon season & more challenging weather conditions in the form of increased dampness from elevated humidity levels, many trains will experience delays & consequently, passengers due to extreme temperature fluctuations & weather pattern changes.

Trains throughout history have seen an increase of delays over the last several weeks. However, these recent developments mean that a growing number of train operators are not only delaying the departure of trains, but also delaying the arrival of their passengers. Fortunately for many travellers, train operators are still scheduling services so that many travel options are still available for most people.

Currently, more than half of the train operators in India are experiencing a least 4 – 12 hour delays, with many trains either missing their first scheduled time foofor a minimum of 4 hours, or arriving at their destination late. In addition, those travelling in order to attend any of the following events such as functions, exams, or seminars, had their plans for attending those events disrupted because there was no way they would have made it to their destination if the train was delayed more than 6 hours.

In the event that the train that you are going to take arrives at least 5 – 6 hours late, then it is more than likely that you will not be able to reach your destination on time. So, what should you do if this happens?

Here are a few options to help you get your money back on your ticket: Whenever your train service is delayed, they have certain rules that help you in receiving a complete refund on your ticket. Let’s take a look at how the refund process is done, to ensure that you can get your money back as quickly as possible and are aware of what steps you can take in order to contact your local railway authorities about obtaining a refund.

How late is the train to get a refund?

According to the railway rules, if your train is delayed by 3 hours (180 minutes) or more than the scheduled time, then you are entitled to a full refund. In this case, if you have abandoned the train, that is, if you do not travel on that train, then you will get a full refund.

You will get 100% refund of your ticket in this case

The train is arriving 3 hours or more late at your boarding station.

You did not travel in that train.

You submitted TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) before the train was delayed.

This rule is applicable to all three types of tickets booked online or over the counter: general tickets, Tatkal tickets and Premium Tatkal tickets.

When will you not get a refund?

If you board the train, even if it is very late, you will not get a refund in this case.

If you do not file TDR on time.

If your train runs less than 3 hours late.

How to get a refund on online e-ticket (IRCTC)?

If you have booked your ticket online (IRCTC), then follow these steps:

Step 1: Open IRCTC website/app.

Step 2: Go to My Bookings.

Step 3: Select the relevant ticket.

Step 4: Click on File TDR.

Step 5: Select Reason – ‘Train delayed more than 3 hours’

Step 6: Submit.

Remember, you have to file TDR before the train departs or before the chart is generated for most trains.

How to get the refund if it is a prepaid ticket (PRS)?

If the ticket is purchased from the railway counter:

Go to the PRS counter at the same station before the scheduled departure time of the train.

Submit your ticket there and explain the reason to the booking clerk.

If the train is delayed by more than 3 hours, the full amount will be refunded in cash or in the account.

Within how many days will the refund be made?

After filing TDR, the refund is usually available within 5 to 7 working days. The refund is made through the same payment mode used to book the ticket. This means that if you paid online, the money will be credited to the account from which the money was deducted. It is important to remember that the railways refund money based on the delay from the boarding station, not the arrival time of the train at its destination.