Indian Railways is one of the largest railway networks, enabling millions of passengers to travel. Therefore, passengers are required to familiarize themselves with the Indian railway rules regarding ticket booking, cancellation, and refund to avoid financial loss.
IRCTC refunds are common among passengers due to various reasons like not getting confirmed tickets, last-minute plan change, and others. Moreover, finding the railway rules can help to avoid the IRCTC penalties.
Learning these railway rules can save your money and time both in a significant way. This post will explain the Indian railways refund rules, cancellation policies and many more. It will guide you properly to improve your train journey, avoiding penalties and reducing travel stress. You will also learn how to order food on train during your journey, understand pantry cars and e-catering options, avoid unnecessary charges, and make smarter travel decisions.
Overview of Indian Railway Rules for Passengers
A large number of the population travel daily through Indian Railways. Therefore, maintenance and operations are not easy. However, following Indian railways rules for passengers make operation smoother with safety, for smooth travel.
- Auto Upgradation Rules
- Ticket Cancellation Rules
- Language Rules
- Passengers Conduct Rules
- Safety & Security Rules
- Special Rules
- Ticket Rules
What are the Indian Railways Ticket Rules for Passengers?
Each traveller must possess a valid ticket. It is the basic and mandatory rules under the Indian Railways. So, check the following points to understand ticket-related rules.
- Online Ticket Booking: Passengers can check the train schedule to find the right train and book tickets online according to their travel requirements.
- Counter Ticket Booking: Passengers can also book tickets by reaching out to the railway ticket counter to make reservations for a specific train.
- Tatkal and Premium Tatkal Tickets: According to Indian Railway rules, any individual can make reservations under tatkal or Premium Tatkal quota. Booking timing for the AC class is 10:00 AM, and for the sleeper class, 11:00 AM.
- Waiting List and RAC Tickets: Passengers with waiting lists are not allowed to travel, and ticket confirmation will only be done when someone with a confirmed ticket made cancellation.
- However, passengers with RAC tickets are provided a shared seat to travel and are allowed to travel.
- Carry a Valid Ticket & ID Proof: Each passenger needs to carry a valid ID proof. Failure to present a valid ID proof may be considered as travelling without a ticket. Therefore, you must carry a photo identity proof such as Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport, PAN, Driving Licence, etc.
Indian Railways Cancellation and Refund Rules
Indian Railway rules that must be understood and followed by every individual for ease.
Confirmed Ticket Cancellation Rules
Cancellation 48 Hours Before Departure
Flat cancellation charges are applied per passengers that are shared below.
- Rs. 60 for Second Class
- Rs. 120 for Sleeper Cass
- Rs. 180 for Chair Car/AC Economy/AC 3 Tier
- Rs. 200 for AC 2 Tier/First Class
- Rs. 240 for AC First Class/Executive Class
Cancellation Before 48 Hours and 12 Hours
If cancellation is done between 12 hours and 48 hours before the departure time according to the train schedule, then cancellation charges are 25%. However, flat cancellation charges are always considered the minimum charge.
Cancellation Before 12 Hours and 4 Hours
If cancellation is between 4 hours and 12 hours then, 50% of the fare will be applied as a cancellation charge. However, flat cancellation charges are the minimum cancellation charges.
Within 4 Hours of Departure
There is no refund for the confirmed ticket. However, passengers can file the TDR with a valid reason for a refund.
RAC or Waitlisted Ticket Cancellation Rules
If Cancelled 30 Minutes Before Departure
In such a case, you may get a refund after facing a clerkage charge deduction of Rs. 60 + GST for each passenger.
If Cancelled after Chart Preparation
Waitlisted e-ticket will get automatically cancelled. However, in other cases, you may need to file a TDR with a valid reason.
Indian Railway Rules: When a Train Gets Cancelled
- In case, if the train gets fully cancelled, then a full refund will be done without deducting the clerkage charges.
- If partially cancelled or diverted, then passengers need to file a TDR to get a refund as per Indian railway refund rules.
Other Indian Railway Rules You Must Know
Indian Railway senior citizen rules
IRCTC provides automatic lower berth allocation for senior citizens (male 60+ and female 58+) in each mail/express train. Each berth has a certain number of limited seats reserved for the senior citizens. It helps senior citizens to relax and enjoy food on trains from top restaurants via the RailRestro train food delivery app.
Auto Upgradation Rules
- IRCTC can upgrade your ticket if you have opted for the auto upgradation option while ticket booking without any extra charges.
- However, you still have the choice to cancel your ticket 30 minutes before scheduled departure, and cancellation fees will be as per your booked ticket class.
Indian Railway Boarding Rules
From 2026, passengers need to board the train at a specific railway station that is mentioned on their ticket. This step helps to perform the real-time seat reallocation for RAC or waitlisted tickets.
Indian Railway Pass Rules
As per Indian Railways Pass Rules, passengers get concessional travel, duty passes, post-retirement passes, and many more.
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People Also Ask For
Ans. Yes, it is mandatory to carry an original identity proof while travelling in a train. It can be any government issued ID, such as a voter ID, Aadhar card, a passport, PAN Card.
Ans. Yes, you can get refunds depending on the time when you cancel it, including fixed cancellation charges + GST. After applying the Indian railways cancellation rules you can get the refund.
Ans. Cancellation is not allowed after chart preparation. However, you can file a TDR with reasons like passengers not traveling, AC failure, train running late, etc. IRCTC can refund after verification as per the railway rules.
