If your train is cancelled by Indian Railways, the refund process for tickets booked through IRCTC is Automatic. Here’s how you can get a refund if your train is cancelled:
If Train Cancelled, how to get refund from IRCTC?
Refund Process for Cancelled Train
For E-Tickets (Booked Online via IRCTC)
Automatic Refund:
- When a train is cancelled, the refund for your e-ticket is processed automatically by IRCTC. You do not need to take any action to initiate this process.
Notification:
- You will receive an SMS or email notification from IRCTC informing you about the train cancellation and refund initiation.
Refund Credit:
- The refund amount will be credited back to the payment method you used during the booking (credit/debit card, net banking, etc.).
- The process may take a few days, depending on your bank or payment provider.
Check Refund Status:
- Log in to your IRCTC account.
- Go to ‘Booked Ticket History’ under the ‘My Transactions’ section.
- Check the status of your canceled ticket to see if the refund has been processed.
For Counter Tickets (Booked at Railway Stations)
Visit a Railway Station:
- Go to any railway reservation counter to process your refund.
Present the Ticket:
- Provide the original counter ticket to the staff at the reservation counter.
Receive Refund:
- The refund will be processed immediately, and you may receive the amount in cash or to your bank account, depending on your preference and the counter’s facilities.
Important Points
Refund Processing Time:
For e-tickets, the refund is generally processed within 5-7 working days.
For counter tickets, it might be processed instantly if done on the day of travel or as soon as possible after.
Automatic TDR Filing:
In some cases, if the refund is not processed automatically for e-tickets, it is advisable to file a Ticket Deposit Receipt (TDR) through the IRCTC website for claiming a refund. However, this is typically not needed for canceled trains.
Contact Customer Care:
If you do not receive the refund within the expected timeframe, contact IRCTC customer care for assistance.
No Cancellation Charges:
When a train is canceled, no cancellation charges are levied, and you receive a full refund of the fare paid.
By following these steps, you can ensure that you receive the appropriate refund for a canceled train ticket. Always check your registered email or SMS for notifications from IRCTC regarding refunds.