Guide to IRCTC Refund Rules: Claim Your Refund Easily
Had a bad train journey? You might get your money back. Indian Railways offers refunds for various issues. These include train delays, AC problems, or route changes. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) allows passengers to file a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) in many cases.
Easy Steps to File a TDR on IRCTC
Filing a TDR is simple. Just follow these steps:
- Visit the IRCTC website – www.irctc.co.in.
- Sign in to your account.
- Click on ‘My Account’ then ‘My Transactions’.
- Select ‘File TDR’.
- Choose the PNR number for your claim.
- Pick the reason for your TDR from the list.
- Select the number of passengers.
- Click ‘File TDR’.
- Read the instructions and confirm.
- You’ll see a success message when done.
Time Limits for TDR Claims
Each TDR claim has a specific time limit. Here are a few examples:
- If your train was over three hours late and you didn’t travel, file the TDR before the train’s scheduled departure.
- If your AC didn’t work or you were moved to a lower class, file within 20 hours after the train arrives at your destination.
Detailed Time Limits for Different TDR Scenarios
| S. No. | TDR Filing Reason | Time Limit / Rule |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Train late by over three hours and passenger did not travel | Up to the train’s actual departure time at the boarding station |
| 2 | Difference of fare if proper coach not attached (travel in lower class) | Up to 2 days (excluding the day of issue of certificate) |
| 3 | AC failure | Within 20 hours of the train’s actual arrival at the passenger’s destination station |
| 4 | All confirmed passengers did not travel | Up to 4 hours before the train’s scheduled departure at the boarding station |
| 5 | Train diverted and passenger did not travel | Up to 72 hours from the train’s scheduled departure at the boarding station |
| 6 | Train diverted and not touching boarding station | Up to 72 hours from the train’s scheduled departure at the boarding station |
| 7 | Train diverted and not touching destination station | Up to 72 hours from the train’s scheduled departure at the boarding station |
| 8 | Party partially confirmed/waitlisted and waitlisted passengers did not travel | Up to 72 hours of the train’s actual arrival at the destination station |
| 9 | Party partially confirmed/waitlisted and all passengers did not travel | Up to 30 minutes before the train’s scheduled departure at the boarding station |
| 10 | Difference of fare as passenger travelled in lower class | Up to 2 days (excluding the day of issue of certificate) |
| 11 | Party partially travelled (refund on partially used ticket) | Up to 72 hours from the train’s scheduled departure at the boarding station |
| 12 | Passenger did not travel as reservation provided in lower class | Within 3 hours from the train’s actual departure at the boarding station |
| 13 | Passenger did not travel due to coach damage | Within 3 hours from the train’s actual departure at the boarding station |
| 14 | Train terminated short of destination | Up to 72 hours from the train’s scheduled arrival at the passenger’s destination |
Other Scenarios for TDR Claims
You can also file a TDR for other issues like:
- Coach changes
- Route diversions
- Short-termination of trains
- Confirmed ticket holders who did not travel
For example, if you didn’t travel because your reservation was moved to a lower class, file the TDR within three hours of the train’s departure.
If your train was diverted and no longer stopped at your boarding or destination stations, you can claim a refund. File within 72 hours of the train’s original departure time.
Important Notes
IRCTC does not offer refunds for connecting journeys. Such bookings are not allowed.
The IRCTC process aims to improve passenger satisfaction and accountability. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, always check the official IRCTC rules and timelines for clarity.
