Understanding the Cancellation Process and Refund Rules for IRCTC E-Tickets

Key Takeaways:

1. E-tickets can only be canceled online via the IRCTC website or app.

2. Refunds for canceled e-tickets are processed within 5 to 7 working days, depending on the mode of payment.

3. Cancellation charges are applicable based on the time of cancellation: Before 48 hours: Flat rates ranging from Rs 60 to Rs 240 per passenger, depending on the class.

Within 48 to 12 hours: 25% of the e-ticket fare or the minimum flat rate, whichever is higher.

Less than 12 hours and up to the time chart is prepared: 50% of the e-ticket fare.

4. E-tickets cannot be canceled after the chart is prepared, and users are advised to use the online TDR filing for such cases.

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is responsible for the ticketing services of Indian Railways, including the e-ticketing system. If an individual needs to cancel an e-ticket due to unforeseen circumstances, they can do so through the IRCTC website or the IRCTC rail connect application. The cancellation process varies depending on whether it is done before or after the preparation of the train chart.

Cancellation Process of IRCTC E-ticket Before Preparation of Chart

Before the preparation of the train chart, e-tickets sold via the IRCTC website or app cannot be cancelled offline; it has to be done online. The cancellation process can be initiated on the IRCTC website or app.

Cancellation Process on IRCTC Website

Step 1: Go to IRCTC website and login using your credentials.

Step 2: Navigate to the ‘Booked Tickets’ tab and select the specific train’s tickets which you intend to cancel. Once selected, confirm it. The tickets would now be cancelled.

Cancellation Process on IRCTC Rail Connect Mobile App

Step 1: Login to IRCTC rail connect app.

Step 2: From the home screen select ‘Train’. Then navigate to ‘My Bookings’.

There would be two tabs here: ‘Upcoming’ and ‘Completed’. Click on ‘Upcoming’. Select the train tickets which you are intending to cancel. Then click on the menu button which is represented by three dots (…). There would be five options available here. Click on ‘Cancel Ticket’. Then confirm the cancellation.

Charges for Cancellation of E-ticket Before 48 Hours

The cancellation charges are per passenger and only applicable if confirmed e-tickets are cancelled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train. The charges are as follows:

Cancellation Charges for Tickets Cancelled Within 48 to 12 Hours

If a confirmed e-ticket is cancelled within 48 hours and up to 12 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train, the charges are 25% of the e-ticket fare or the minimum flat rate as specified above, whichever is higher.

Cancellation of Tickets After Chart is Prepared

After the chart is prepared, e-tickets cannot be cancelled. Users are requested to use the online TDR filing for such cases and track the status of the refund case through the tracking service provided by the IRCTC website and App. No refund of fare shall be admissible on the tickets having confirmed reservation in case the ticket is not cancelled or TDR not filed online up to four hours before the scheduled departure of the train.

The refund for cancelled e-tickets of Indian Railways is processed by IRCTC after deducting charges (if any) within 5 to 7 working days depending upon the mode of payment.

This information is based on the rules and guidelines provided by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).

FAQ

Q1: Can e-tickets be canceled offline?

A1: No, e-tickets sold via the IRCTC website or app cannot be canceled offline; it has to be done online only.

Q2: When can e-tickets be canceled before the preparation of charts?

A2: E-tickets can be canceled on the Internet at the IRCTC website until the chart preparation of the train. Cancellations are not allowed at face-to-face Railway Counters.

Q3: What are the charges for canceling e-tickets before 48 hours?

A3: The cancellation charges are flat rates ranging from Rs 60 to Rs 240 per passenger, depending on the class, if confirmed e-tickets are canceled more than 48 hours before the scheduled departure time of the train.

Q4: Is there a refund for tickets with confirmed reservations if not canceled or TDR not filed online up to four hours before the scheduled departure of the train?

A4: No refund of fare shall be admissible on the tickets having confirmed reservation in case the ticket is not canceled or TDR not filed online up to four hours before the scheduled departure of the train.