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Indian Railways is testing a rule to prepare charts 24 hours early. This may ease waitlist woes but shorten the refund window for confirmed ticket cancellations
The new Indian Railways rule may shorten the refund window for confirmed tickets. (News18)
Booked a train ticket and stuck in waitlist limbo? Indian Railways might soon save you the suspense by telling you a day in advance whether you’re on board or not.
New Indian Railways Rule
Indian Railways is currently trialling a new rule in which the train reservation chart is prepared 24 hours before departure. While this rule is still in the testing phase, it could potentially be rolled out nationwide.
Understanding its impact on the ticket cancellation and refund process is essential.
How Will The New System Operate?
At present, the reservation chart is typically prepared around four hours before the train’s departure. This leaves passengers with waiting list tickets uncertain about their travel status until the last moment.
Under the new system, the chart would be finalised 24 hours in advance, enabling passengers to know a full day beforehand whether their ticket is confirmed. This would allow more time for planning and, if necessary, cancelling tickets on time.
How Much Is Deducted When Cancelling A Train Ticket?
As per existing rules:
- Cancelling a confirmed ticket between 48 and 12 hours prior to departure incurs a 25% deduction from the fare.
- If cancelled between 12 and 4 hours before departure, the cancellation charge increases.
- Once the reservation chart is prepared, refunds for cancellations are generally not granted.
With the proposed rule, the window for cancellation would also shift earlier, requiring passengers to act more promptly.
Does The Refund Vary By Coach Class?
Yes, the amount refunded differs by coach class. Since fares vary, so too do the cancellation charges.
AC class tickets attract higher deductions due to their higher cost, while sleeper and general class passengers pay comparatively less.
For unconfirmed waiting list tickets that are cancelled, nearly the entire fare is usually refunded.
Where Can Railway Passengers Check Their Refund Status?
For those who booked tickets online, the refund status can be checked through the IRCTC website or the IRCTC mobile application. The platform will display the cancellation charges and the refundable amount.
Is the New Railway Rule In Effect Nationwide?
Currently, the 24-hour charting rule is being tested at a single station. If deemed successful, Indian Railways intends to implement the rule more broadly across other stations. Revised refund policies are expected to follow if the trial proves effective.
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