How to Cancel Railway Ticket — Refund Rules & Process
Cancelling an Indian Railways ticket is straightforward through the IRCTC website or app, but the refund amount varies significantly depending on how far in advance you cancel and the ticket type (regular vs. Tatkal). Understanding the cancellation charges helps you decide whether to cancel or try to transfer the ticket. Note: TrainPNRStatus.in does not process cancellations — this guide explains the process on IRCTC.
Check PNR Before Cancelling →Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cancel an IRCTC e-ticket?
Log in to IRCTC → Go to "My Bookings" → Find the booking → Click "Cancel" → Select passengers to cancel → Confirm. The refund is processed to your original payment method within 5–7 business days. Counter tickets must be cancelled at a railway counter or TDR filing.
What are the cancellation charges for regular railway tickets?
If cancelled: More than 48 hours before departure — ₹60 (SL), ₹90 (AC 3A), ₹120 (AC 2A), ₹240 (AC 1A) flat charge. 24–48 hours before — 25% of fare (minimum flat). Within 24 hours or after chart — 50% of fare. Within 4 hours or after departure — No refund.
Can I cancel individual passengers from a group PNR?
Yes, for e-tickets you can cancel individual passengers from a multi-passenger PNR. The refund for cancelled passengers is processed at the applicable cancellation rate. Remaining passengers retain their original booking.
What is TDR and when should I file it?
TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) is filed when you could not travel due to train cancellation, delay beyond 3 hours, or wrong class allotment. File TDR on IRCTC (My Transactions → File TDR) within 72 hours of the scheduled departure. The railway decides on the refund within 30–90 days.
What is the refund for a Tatkal ticket?
For Tatkal tickets cancelled more than 24 hours before departure: partial refund minus higher Tatkal cancellation charges. For Tatkal tickets cancelled within 24 hours: NO REFUND in most cases. Confirmed Tatkal tickets cancelled within 24 hours of departure get zero refund. The Tatkal surcharge component is always non-refundable.
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