Delay in train journey: Here’s how to ask for a full refund

The northern part of India is reeling under dense fog and cold weather these days. According to the weather advisory issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), areas of Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana are likely to witness dense to very dense fog for next 24 hours and the fog conditions will improve after 27th December. Fog affects the schedule of public transport including trains.

If you are planning to travel by train during the last week of the year or to celebrate the New Year holiday period, you may be affected by delays or cancellations due to the weather. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a refund for your train ticket in such circumstances.

Step 1: Determine if your train is eligible for a refund


If your train is running three hours or more behind schedule, you are entitled to a full refund of your ticket fare according to railway regulations. You can cancel your trip in this case.

Step 2: Cancel your ticket

If you have a counter ticket, it is best to go to the reservation counter to cancel it. If you purchased your ticket online through IRCTC, you will need to follow the steps on the website to cancel it.

Step 3: File a TDR (ticket deposit receipt)

If your train is consistently running late after the chart has been prepared, you will need to file a TDR to cancel your ticket. To do this, log into IRCTC and follow the steps to cancel your ticket as long as the chart has not been made.

It is worth noting that these steps apply specifically to situations where your train is delayed or cancelled due to weather conditions or other circumstances outside of your control. For other circumstances, such as a change in personal plans, different rules and procedures may apply for cancelling and obtaining a refund for your train ticket.
It is also advisable to check the website of the IMD for the most authentic information about weather conditions before you plan any cancellation.

FAQs

Q1. Where can I request a refund of the train ticket?
You can request for the refund of a train ticket on the IRCTC portal or at a reservation counter. To get the refund, you will have to login to the same account on the IRCTC portal through which you booked the ticket.

Q2. Can I ask for a refund for any train?
If the train is running behind schedule for more than three hours, only then can you claim a full refund of the ticket, as per the regulations.