Covid-19 IRCTC Refund Rules – Covid-19 Railway Refund Rules

Covid-19 IRCTC Refund Rules – Covid-19 Railway Refund Rules

Indian Railway Refund Rules Due to Covid-19

RELAXATION IN REFUND RULES TO AVOID CROWDING

Govt. Advisory in wake of Covid -19 to avoid crowding and practice social distancing. Indian Railways relaxes Refund Rules for PRS counter generated tickets.

All rules for e-ticket remain the same as passenger does not need to come to Station for refund of ticket.

This relaxation for PRS Counter Generated tickets is for journey period from 21st March – 15 April 2025.

1) CASE 1- Train cancelled by Railways for journey period 21 March – 15 April 2025.

• Refund across counter can be taken on submission of Ticket upto 45 days from date of journey. (Instead of extant rule of 3 hours/72 hours)

CASE 2: Train NOT cancelled. Passenger does NOT want to perform journey.

• TDR ( Ticket Deposit Receipt) can be filed within 30 days from date of journey at the station. (Instead of extant rule of 3 days)
• TDR can be submitted to CCO/ CCM Claims office for getting the refund within 60 days of filing of TDR subject to verification from Train chart. (Instead of extant rule of 10 days)
• for passengers who want cancel ticket through 139 can get refund across the counter within 30 days from date of journey. (Instead of extant rule of upto scheduled departure of the train.)

PASSENGERS ARE ADVISED TO AVAIL THE FACILITY AND AVOID COMING TO RAILWAY STATION DURING THE SPREAD OF VIRUS

Here is a detailed summary of the COVID-19 IRCTC and Indian Railways refund rules that were applicable during the pandemic, particularly during lockdowns, cancellations, and restricted operations:

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🚦 IRCTC & Railway Refund Rules During COVID-19

✅ 1. Automatic Full Refund for Cancelled Trains

• For trains cancelled by Indian Railways during the COVID-19 lockdown or due to pandemic-related restrictions, passengers received a full automatic refund.
• Applies to both:
  • E-Tickets (IRCTC online bookings)
  • Counter Tickets (manual refund to be claimed at PRS counter)

💡 No cancellation charges deducted for these cancellations.

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📅 2. Refund for Trains Cancelled Between March 21 – July 31, 2025

Indian Railways announced liberalized refund rules:

Booking Mode	Action Required	Refund Timeframe
E-Ticket	Auto cancellation, full refund	No need to file TDR
Counter Ticket	Cancel at PRS counter or via IRCTC form	Within 6 months from date of journey

New refund window was extended from 3 days to 6 months for counter tickets.

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🔁 3. Trains Running but Passenger Not Traveling

• For confirmed tickets on running trains, no refund was given if the passenger voluntarily chose not to travel.
• Exception: If the train was late by over 3 hours, or if route was diverted, a TDR (Ticket Deposit Receipt) could be filed for refund.

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💻 4. How to File TDR (For E-Tickets Only)

• Visit IRCTC website → “My Account” → Booked Ticket History → File TDR
• Must be done:
  • Before scheduled departure for late-running/detained trains
  • Within 72 hours for cases like train diverted, coach not attached, or passenger not travelled due to valid reason

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📝 5. Refund for Special Trains (Post-Lockdown)

• Indian Railways resumed services with special trains and festival trains, but refund rules were modified:

Ticket Type	Cancellation Rule
Confirmed Ticket	Cancellation charges applied per normal rules
Waitlisted/RAC	Full refund if not confirmed before charting
Tatkal Ticket	No refund if cancelled voluntarily
Train Cancelled	Full automatic refund (no action needed)

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📦 6. PRS (Counter Ticket) Refund — COVID Period Extension

• If unable to cancel counter ticket due to lockdown:
  • Passenger could submit a refund claim within 6 months of journey date
  • Form submission at PRS station (after services resumed)

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✅ Key Points Summary

Situation	Refund Policy
Train Cancelled by Railways	Full refund (auto for e-ticket, manual for counter)
Lockdown period bookings (March–July 2025)	Full refund; counter ticket refund window extended
Passenger didn’t travel on running train	No refund (unless valid reason via TDR)
Train >3 hours late, not travelled	Full refund with TDR (E-ticket) / PRS cancellation
Tatkal bookings voluntarily cancelled	No refund

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📞 Need Help?

• IRCTC 24×7 Customer Care: 139
• TDR Tracker: → Login → TDR History
• Refund Status: Available under “My Transactions” → “Refund Status of Cancelled Tickets”

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Would you like a downloadable guide (PDF) on these rules or help tracking a specific refund/TDR case?